Ferromagnetic Powder Composition Coating for Core Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current soft magnetic powder compositions face challenges in achieving improved core loss characteristics and resistivity, particularly at high frequencies, where eddy current losses are significant, and maintaining mechanical strength and permeability without detrimental effects on other properties.

Innovation Solution

A ferromagnetic powder composition with soft magnetic iron-based core particles coated with a phosphorus-based inorganic insulating layer and partially covered with hydrolysable metal-organic compounds, such as alkyl alkoxy silanes or silsesquioxanes, along with a lubricant, is compacted using high pressure and optimized heat treatment to enhance resistivity and reduce core losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If finer particle size powders are used to reduce eddy current losses at high frequencies, then electrical resistivity improves, but mechanical strength and permeability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeddy current lossVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining iron-based soft magnetic particles with a multi-layer coating system consisting of phosphorous-based inorganic insulating layer and hydrolysable metal-organic compound layer. This composite structure allows the use of finer particles (50-150 μm) for reduced eddy current losses while the robust coating system maintains mechanical strength and electrical resistivity, resolving the contradiction between particle size reduction and mechanical property preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If conventional insulation coatings are used to achieve electrical resistivity, then eddy current losses are reduced, but mechanical strength and ejection behavior deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeddy current lossVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional insulation coatings to hydrolysable metal-organic compounds (silanes, siloxanes, silsesquioxanes) with specific chemical properties. These compounds undergo hydrolysis and condensation to form strong cross-linked networks that provide both electrical insulation for eddy current reduction and enhanced mechanical strength for improved green body integrity and ejection behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by combining the phosphorous-based inorganic insulating layer with the hydrolysable metal-organic compound layer. This composite coating system provides synergistic effects where the inorganic layer ensures electrical insulation and the organic-inorganic hybrid layer provides mechanical reinforcement, simultaneously addressing eddy current loss reduction and mechanical strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If more lubricant is added to improve ejection behavior, then manufacturing ease improves, but electrical resistivity and core loss characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection behaviorVSAvoidcore loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the lubricant content to a controlled range (0.1-0.5 wt%) and selecting specific lubricant types that minimize negative impacts on electrical resistivity. The hydrolysable metal-organic compound coating system compensates for the presence of lubricant by providing enhanced electrical insulation, allowing sufficient lubricant for ejection while maintaining core loss characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution results in soft magnetic components with high resistivity, low core losses, and improved mechanical strength, maintaining high permeability and induction while minimizing hysteresis and eddy current losses, even at high frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

at least one metal-organic compound is hydrolysable and is selected from alkyl alkoxy silanes, alkyl alkoxy (poly)siloxanes, alkyl alkoxy silsesquioxanes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the surface of the core particles is provided with at least one phosphorus-based inorganic insulating layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

at least one metal-organic compound is hydrolysable and is selected from alkyl alkoxy silanes, alkyl alkoxy (poly)siloxanes, alkyl alkoxy silsesquioxanes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10741316B2Ferromagnetic powder composition and method for its production
Publication Date: 2020.08.11 HOGANAS AB

AI summary

A ferromagnetic powder composition including soft magnetic iron-based core particles, wherein the surface of the core particles is provided with at least one phosphorus-based inorganic insulating layer and then at least partially covered with metal-organic compound(s), wherein the total amount of metal-organic compound(s) is between 0.005 and 0.05% by weight of the powder composition, and wherein the powder composition further includes a lubricant. Further, a process for producing the composition and a method for the manufacturing of soft magnetic composite components prepared from the composition, as well as the obtained component.