Magnetic properties of (Nd,Pr,Dy)2Fe14B/α-Fe nanocomposite magnets crystallized in a magnetic field

The effect of applying a magnetic field during the crystallization process of a melt-spun Nd2.4Pr5.6Dy1Fe85B6 alloy on the nanostructure, crystallographic texture, exchange coupling, and magnetic properties has been studied. Compared with samples annealed without magnetic field, there was a noticeable improvement in the intrinsic coercivity H-i(c), the remanence B-r, and the maximum magnetic energy product (BH)(max) for Nd2.4Pr5.6Dy1Fe85B6 alloys annealed in a 12 kOe field. The magnetic performance improved with an increase in the magnetic fields applied up to 9 kOe. Crystallographic alignment and magnetically anisotropic behavior were found in the samples crystallized in the magnetic field. The improvement in magnetic properties after magnetic crystallization is considered to be the result of both magnetic-field-induced crystallite alignment and enhanced exchange coupling due to a reduction of grain size. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.