We predict agigantic perpendicular magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA) in Fe (001) capped by 5d transition metal (TM) overlayers by using first principles calculations. Analysis of atom-by-atom contribution to MCA reveals that gigantic MCA as large as 11 meV/TM originates not from Fe atoms but from the 5d TMs through the strong spin-orbit coupling. More specifically, it is the hybridization between TM and Fe d orbitals that also induces non-negligible magnetic moments in TM. Furthermore, spin-channel decompositions of MCA matrix with and without the presence of Fe substrate identify the electronic origin of the perpendicular MCA that the down-down channel contribution plays the most crucial role for the sign changes of MCA of TM overlayers upon the hybridization with Fe-3d.

Using the Vienna ab initio simulation package (VASP) incorporating van der Waals interaction, we have explored structural, adsorption, and magnetic properties of Ni(111)/BN/Co(111) systems. We have found that both Ni(111) and Co(111) layers shows half metallic state, while the spacer BN layer becomes weak metal for one monolayer (ML) thickness and an insulating barrier for two ML thickness. The half metallic states in both Ni(111) and Co(111) layers are robust because it is unchanged independently on the magnetic coupling of Ni(111) and Co(111). This finding suggests that the Ni(111)/BN/Co(111) systems can be utilized for perfect tunneling magnetoresistance system. Moreover, it can be applied for potential spin injecting into semiconductor in FM/semiconductor system due to the fact that the half metallic state in FM layers at the interface will be unchanged.

Rare earth (RE) - transition metal based high energy density magnets are of immense significance in various engineering applications. $Nd_2Fe_{14}B$ magnets possess the highest energy product and are widely used in whole industries. Simultaneously, composite alloys that are cheap, cost effective and strong commercially available have drawn great attention, because rare-earth metals are costly, less abundant and strategic shortage. We designed rare-earth free alloys and fabrication process and developed novel route to prepare $Nd_2Fe_{14}B$ powders by wet process employing spray drying and reduction-diffusion (R-D) without the use of high purity metals as raw material. MnAl-base permanent magnetic powders are potentially important material for rare-earth free magnets. We have prepared the nano-sized MnAl powders by plasma arc discharge and micron-sized MnAl powders by gas atomization. They showed good magnetic property, compared with that from conventional processes. $Nd_2Fe_{14}B$ powders with high coercivity of more than 10 kOe were successfully synthesized by adjusting R-D step, followed by precise washing system. It is considered that this process can be applied for the recycling of RE-elements extracted from ewaste including motors.

Since discovery, NdFeB permanent magnet has replaced application of the conventional magnets rapidly because of its superior physical and mechanical properties. With increasing consumption of power combined with energy resource depletion, energy efficiency is becoming more and more inportant. According to recent reports, almost almost half of the electric power is consumed by motor, and NdFeB magnets which are the core component of the motor play a key role on improving energy efficiency of the devices. In parallel with finding alternatives energy resources, research works improving energy efficiecy have been conducted world wide. Althogh NdFeB magnets usage have been expanded to various applications, key materials such as Nd and Dy, resouces lean heavily on specific area, China. Magnetic industry revently experienced skyrocketing price fluctuatioin of rare earth at around 2008. Chineses government's regulations worsened the situation and arose a necessity to develop methods to minimize rare earth use. In this presentation, POSCO's recent research works on rare earth reduction is presented including novel powder alloying method using nitrate precursors. Also, future R&D plans for rare earth free magnets is briefly introduced as well.

In the talk, the present research and production status of NdFeB magnets in China is outlined. The main research on NdFeB magnets at Zhejiang University is presented. The microstructural restructuring of grain boundaries of sintered NdFeB is focused. Through microstructural restructuring, the corrosion resistance of sintered NdFeB can be effectively improved, and NdFeB magnets with high coercivity and low heavy RE contents can be fabricated.

The NdFeB magnet can be classified into the sintered magnet and bonded magnet. The former has superior magnet characteristics but the degree of freedom in shape is highly restricted, whereas the latter has a high degree of freedom, but its magnet characteristics are inferior to the former. When a NdFeB magnet is used at the elevated temperature, part of Nd must be replaced with a high priced Dy to increase its coercive force. For these reasons, a Dy free and high performance NdFeB bonded magnet is desired strongly. The author successfully developed a Dy free NdFeB anisotropic bonded magnet based on discovery of new phenomena called as d-HDDR reaction and its mass production process such as a thermally balanced hydrogen reaction furnace, micro capsuled powder, compression molding / injection molding under magnetic field, magnetic die and so on. Applied to DC brush seat motor for automotive use, the motor has become 50% small in size and weight. The commercialization of a half sized motor for automotive use has been realized up to the market share of 30%. At present, its commercialization is extending to various types of motors such as power tool, ABS motor, wiper motor, window motor, electric bike power motor, and compressor motor. It is expected that the applications will be increasingly enlarged to EV motor, wind generator, EPS motor, washing machine, and glass cutting machine. This innovative technology has realized Dy free high performance magnet and mudt make big contribution to not only rare element strategies but also energy conservation.

In order to pinpoint the different factors responsible for magnetization reversal, we performed simulation using OOMMF micromagnetic package for rectangular shaped permalloy element having length of $1{\mu}m$, width 50-100 nm and thickness 15-80 nm with length to width ratio L/W>4. Interestingly an increase in coercivity with thickness is found for every width below a critical thickness. With increasing width and thickness, the distinct behavior of coercivity, hysteresis loops and reversal mechanism are presented. Vortex end domains are observed during the magnetization reversal beyond particular thickness, where the three dimension reversal mechanism is expected to begin, causing a sudden increase in coercivity.

We investigate effect of a point defect on the pinning potential for a perpendicular magnetic domain wall based on the NEB method. We find that this method can give a reasonable value for the pinning potential and allows us to study the effect of various geometrical and magnetic properties on the pinning potential. In the presentation, we will discuss the effect of Ku and wire width on the pinning potential in detail.