Presentation Information
[O4-3]Exploring Microstructural Phenomena in Rare Earth Magnets using Atom Probe Tomography
*Hansheng Chen1, Jiaying Jin2, Mi Yan2, Simon Ringer1 (1. The University of Sydney (Australia), 2. Zhejiang University (China))
Keywords:
Atom Probe Tomography,Microstructural Phenomena,Rare Earth Magnets,Multi-Main-Phase,Grain Boundary Diffusion Process
The global rare earth supply chain is increasingly unstable due to the complex extraction processes, geographical concentration vulnerabilities, and persistent demand-supply imbalances. This instability is further exacerbated by a surge in demand for renewable energy technologies − including hybrid electric vehicles and wind turbines − as well as applications in robotics and artificial intelligence. This situation necessitates a focus on maximising the efficiency of every rare earth atom during the downstream processing of rare earth magnets, which are critical for these technologies [1, 2].
Recent advances in microscopy, particularly atom probe tomography, have revolutionised our ability to analyse the atomic-scale structural and compositional characteristics of rare earth magnets. This presentation provides detailed insights via atom probe tomography into the microstructural phenomena that underpin their magnetic properties. We highlight recent findings in two key areas: first, the efficient utilisation of the heavy rare earth element dysprosium (Dy) in multi-main-phase Nd–Dy–Fe–B magnets [3]; and second, the elucidation of the coercivity limit in PrAl grain boundary diffusion-processed Nd–La–Ce–Fe–B magnets (under review).
These studies demonstrate how understanding microstructure at the atomic scale can be leveraged to tailor material performance, optimise critical materials downstream processing, and promote a circular economy.
References
[1] https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/australias-critical-minerals-list-and-strategic-materials-list
[2] Critical Minerals and Materials white paper, https://www.sydney.edu.au/net-zero-institute/.
[3] Zhang Z, Chen H, et al. On dysprosium utilisation in multi-main-phase Nd–Dy–Fe–B magnets with core–shell microstructures. Acta Materialia, 2023, 261: 119344.
Recent advances in microscopy, particularly atom probe tomography, have revolutionised our ability to analyse the atomic-scale structural and compositional characteristics of rare earth magnets. This presentation provides detailed insights via atom probe tomography into the microstructural phenomena that underpin their magnetic properties. We highlight recent findings in two key areas: first, the efficient utilisation of the heavy rare earth element dysprosium (Dy) in multi-main-phase Nd–Dy–Fe–B magnets [3]; and second, the elucidation of the coercivity limit in PrAl grain boundary diffusion-processed Nd–La–Ce–Fe–B magnets (under review).
These studies demonstrate how understanding microstructure at the atomic scale can be leveraged to tailor material performance, optimise critical materials downstream processing, and promote a circular economy.
References
[1] https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/australias-critical-minerals-list-and-strategic-materials-list
[2] Critical Minerals and Materials white paper, https://www.sydney.edu.au/net-zero-institute/.
[3] Zhang Z, Chen H, et al. On dysprosium utilisation in multi-main-phase Nd–Dy–Fe–B magnets with core–shell microstructures. Acta Materialia, 2023, 261: 119344.