Magnetic Properties and Microstructure of Nanocrystalline NdFeB Magnets Fabricated by a Modified Hot Working Process

Magnetic properties, microstructure and texture of NdFeB magnets fabricated by a modified hot working process from commercial melt-spun powders (Magnequench; MQPA, MQPB and MQPB＋) have been investigated. The hot-pressed isotropic magnet made from MQPA powder, which contains higher Nd content than that of MQPB or MQPB＋, shows higher coercivity. The magnet also shows homogenous and fine grains with higher coercivity for higher consolidation pressure. The hot-deformed MQPA magnet shows a strong anisotropy along the press direction with homogeneous platelet Nd$_2$Fe$_{14}$B grains of 50∼100nm in thickness and 200∼500nm in length. The hot-deformed MQPB＋ magnet, however, shows low remanence and low coercivity. The microstructure of the magnet consists of two areas; undeformed Nd$_2$Fe$_{14}$B grains and well-aligned but large grains with 3∼4 $\mu$m in length. Low Nd content attributes to the formation of the two different area.