R-T-B Permanent Magnet Composition Balancing Br and Coercivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing R-T-B based permanent magnets face challenges in achieving a balanced improvement in residual magnetic flux density (Br) and coercivity (HcJ) at room temperature, along with a high squareness ratio (Hk/HcJ).

Innovation Solution

The R-T-B based permanent magnet composition includes specific ranges of rare earth elements (Nd and Pr), transition metal elements (Fe and Co), boron, and additional elements (Al, Cu, Ga, Zr) with controlled amounts of impurities, combined with a production process involving alloy preparation, pulverization, pressing, sintering, aging, and grain boundary diffusion to enhance magnetic properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the amount of heavy rare earth element is increased to improve coercivity (HcJ), then HcJ is improved, but residual magnetic flux density (Br) decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoercivity (HcJ)VSAvoidresidual magnetic flux density (Br)
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition parameters by limiting heavy rare earth element content to 0.05-0.20 mass% and precisely controlling the Pr/TRE ratio (0.35-0.45) and boron content (0.95-1.05 mass%). This parameter optimization achieves a balance between coercivity and residual magnetic flux density without requiring excessive heavy rare earth additions that would harm Br.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite microstructure consisting of main phase grains (R2T14B type) and grain boundary phases with specific compositions. The grain boundary phase contains heavy rare earth elements, Pr, and boron in controlled proportions, forming a composite structure that simultaneously provides high coercivity through heavy rare earth at grain boundaries and high residual magnetic flux density through the main phase composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If the amount of Pr is increased to improve residual magnetic flux density (Br), then Br is improved, but the balance with coercivity (HcJ) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual magnetic flux density (Br)VSAvoidcoercivity (HcJ)
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes an optimal Pr content range of 16-20 mass% and controls the Pr/TRE ratio between 0.35-0.45. This precise parameter control ensures that Pr contributes sufficiently to residual magnetic flux density while maintaining the correct balance with heavy rare earth elements for adequate coercivity, achieving optimal magnetic property balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If conventional production methods are used to achieve high Br at low temperature, then Br at low temperature is improved, but Hk/HcJ ratio decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual magnetic flux density (Br) at low temperatureVSAvoidsquareness ratio (Hk/HcJ)
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple composition parameters simultaneously: rare earth element composition (Pr/TRE ratio), boron content (0.95-1.05 mass%), and heavy rare earth content (0.05-0.20 mass%). This multi-parameter optimization achieves high Hk/HcJ ratio (95% or more) while maintaining high Br at low temperature, resolving the contradiction between low-temperature performance and squareness ratio.

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 resulting magnet achieves improved Br and HcJ in good balance, along with a high Hk/HcJ ratio, optimizing magnetic performance.

Implementation Method 1

a diffusion heat treatment is then performed on the sintered body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a method for producing an R-T-B based sintered magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Data Source

PatentUS12592330B2R-T-B based permanent magnet
Publication Date: 2026.03.31 TDK CORP

AI summary

An R-T-B based permanent magnet includes rare earth elements, transition metal elements, boron, and M. An amount of boron is within a range between 0.90 mass % or more and 1.00 mass % or less. An amount of carbon is within a range between 0 mass % or more and 0.10 mass % or less, an amount of oxygen is within a range between 0 mass % or more and 0.15 mass % or less, an amount of nitrogen is within a range between 0 mass % or more and 0.15 mass % or less, an amount of M is within a range between 0.30 mass % or more and 1.50 mass % or less, an amount of the rare earth elements based on mass represented by TRE is within a range between 29.00 mass % or more and 31.00 mass % or less, and a value represented by Pr/TRE is within a range between 0.30 or larger and 0.50 or smaller.