Investigating the magnetic and mechanical properties of NdCeFe₁₄B permanent magnets: Ab initio study

¹ Material Modelling Centre, University of Limpopo, South Africa
² Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, South Africa

^* Corresponding author: mphamela.baloyi@gmail.com

Abstract

Neodymium-based permanent magnets (Nd₂Fe₁₄B) are the potential permanent magnets for various applications in high-efficiency power conversion machines and devices such as wind turbines and electric vehicles. This is due to their high magnetic field strength and demagnetization resistance. However, they suffer from low Curie temperatures below 585 K and poor mechanical properties. In this study, we investigate the effect of the rare earth element, Cerium (Ce) on the Nd₂Fe₁₄B permanent magnets. The structural, mechanical, and magnetic properties of the magnets are calculated using the ab initio density functional theory approach. Partial substitution of Nd with Ce improves the stability and the magnetic strength of Nd₂Fe₁₄B permanent magnets. Future research on permanent magnetic compounds with improved magnetic properties will benefit from the findings.