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*STTR Project:  Hybrid Nanocrystalline Permanent Magnets for Beam Focusing in High Energy Accelerators--FutureTek USA Corp., 2705 Far Hills Avenue, Suite 2, Dayton, OH  45419; 937-293-8862, www.futuretek-corp.com

Ms. Yuhui Shen, Principal Investigator, yuhuishen@futuretek-corp.com

Mr. Youngson He, Business Official, younghe@futuretek-corp.com

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-04ER86185

Amount:  $99,999

Research Institution

University of Dayton

Dayton, OH

Current Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Co based magnets are not able to simultaneously achieve the thermal stability and high-temperature operation required for use in high energy accelerators.  For example, Nd-Fe-B magnets have excellent room temperature magnetic performance but very poor thermal stability.  Attempts at making hybrid Nd-Fe-B/Sm₂(Co,Fe,Cu,Zr)₁₇ magnets with micron grain structure have encountered many technical difficulties.  This project will develop an alternative approach by synthesizing a new type of hybrid nanocrystalline Nd₂Fe₁₄B/Sm₂(Co,Fe)₁₇ magnet using the innovative technologies of rapid hot compaction and hot deformation.  The nanograin structure of the new magnets will allow them to fill the gaps between the current Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Co based magnets, providing operation between 80 and 300°C with significantly improved thermal stability.  In Phase I, isotropic and anisotropic hybrid nanocrystalline Nd₂Fe₁₄B/Sm₂(Co,Fe)₁₇ magnets will be synthesized using melt spinning, rapid hot compaction, and hot deformation.  The effects of compositions and hot compact/hot deformation parameters on magnetic properties will be identified, and the thermal stability of the new magnets will be determined.  

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The new hybrid nanocrystalline magnets should be useful for beam focusing in high-energy accelerators and for many other applications where better thermal stability and/or higher operating temperature are needed.  These applications include motors, generators, actuators, various types of sensors, and all-electrical automobiles.  The use of these magnets should result in better, lighter, smaller, and cheaper electromagnetic machines and devices.