R-T-B Magnet Grain Boundary XZ Phase Coercive Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

R-T-B based sintered magnets require further improvement in coercive force (HcJ), residual magnetic flux density (Br), strength, corrosion resistance, and high electric resistance to meet the demands of high-performance motors, especially at elevated temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating specific grain boundary phases, such as an XZ phase with a face-centered cubic structure, and optimizing the composition and area ratio of these phases within the R-T-B based permanent magnet, including elements like Zr, C, and Ga, to enhance HcJ and Br while improving strength and sintering stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a part of R(Nd) is substituted with heavy rare earth elements such as Dy or Tb in an R2Fe14B compound, then coercive force HcJ is increased, but residual magnetic flux density Br decreases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoercive force HcJVSAvoidresidual magnetic flux density Br
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing heavy rare earth elements (Dy, Tb) specifically into the grain boundary phase rather than uniformly substituting throughout the entire R2Fe14B compound. This localized approach allows the grain boundary phase to provide enhanced coercive force through the heavy rare earth elements, while the main phase grains maintain their high residual magnetic flux density characteristics. The composition is designed so that the grain boundary phase contains 0.1-5.0 at% heavy rare earth elements, creating a spatially differentiated structure where each region performs its optimal function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by creating a multi-phase structure consisting of R2Fe14B main phase grains embedded in a grain boundary phase containing heavy rare earth elements. This composite structure combines the high magnetic properties of the R2Fe14B compound with the coercive force enhancement from heavy rare earth elements, achieving both high Br and high HcJ simultaneously. The grain boundary phase acts as a matrix that binds the main phase grains while providing additional magnetic hardening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If heavy rare earth elements are used to increase HcJ, then coercive force is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoercive force HcJVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using small, controlled amounts of heavy rare earth elements (0.1-5.0 at% in the grain boundary phase) rather than large substitutions. This partial incorporation is sufficient to achieve the desired coercive force improvement while minimizing the cost impact. The grain boundary phase contains just enough heavy rare earth elements to provide the necessary magnetic hardening without the excessive cost that would result from bulk substitution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

By localizing heavy rare earth elements to the grain boundary phase rather than distributing them throughout the entire magnet, the patent reduces the total amount of expensive heavy rare earth materials needed. The grain boundary region serves as a cost-effective site for incorporating these elements, as it requires much smaller quantities compared to uniform substitution, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining HcJ improvement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If the grain boundary phase is optimized for high HcJ, then coercive force is improved, but other properties such as strength and corrosion resistance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoercive force HcJVSAvoidstrength and corrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The grain boundary phase is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides coercive force enhancement through heavy rare earth elements, ensures mechanical strength through adequate bonding between grains, and offers corrosion resistance through the protective nature of the grain boundary structure. The R-rich composition (60-95 at% rare earth elements) combined with controlled heavy rare earth content creates a multi-functional phase that addresses magnetic, mechanical, and chemical requirements in one integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters of the grain boundary phase including rare earth element composition (60-95 at%), heavy rare earth content (0.1-5.0 at%), and phase distribution to achieve a balance between coercive force and other properties. By carefully controlling these compositional parameters, the grain boundary phase simultaneously achieves high HcJ through heavy rare earth elements while maintaining adequate strength and corrosion resistance through the R-rich matrix structure.

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 approach results in a significant increase in HcJ and Br, along with improved strength and sintering stability, effectively addressing the limitations of existing R-T-B based sintered magnets.

Implementation Method 1

By substituting a part of Nd with Dy or Tb, the magneto crystalline anisotropy of the R2Fe14B compound is increased, and as a result, HcJ of the Nd—Fe—B based sintered magnet can be sufficiently increased

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic anisotropy: Anisotropy

Implementation Method 2

improvement in a high electric resistance for suppressing eddy currents are required

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

R-T-B based sintered magnets are actively used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentUS10878981B2R-T-B based permanent magnet
Publication Date: 2020.12.29 TDK CORP
  • US10878981B2 patent drawing
  • US10878981B2 patent drawing
  • US10878981B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an R-T-B based permanent magnet including main phase grains including an R2T14B compound and a grain boundary. R is one or more rare earth elements essentially including Nd, T is Fe or Fe and Co and B is boron. the R-T-B based permanent magnet further includes X, Z and M. X is one or more selected from Ti, V, Zr, Nb, Hf and Ta, Z is one or more selected from C and N, M essentially includes Ga and further includes one or more selected from Al, Si, Ge, Cu, Bi and Sn. The grain boundary includes an XZ phase having a face-centered cubic structure.