ThMn12 Magnetic Compound Composition and Cooling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-performance permanent magnets, such as Nd-Fe-B, face challenges in achieving both high anisotropy field and saturation magnetization, with rare earth element-iron magnetic compounds having a ThMn12 type crystal structure falling short in saturation magnetization compared to Nd-Fe-B magnets.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic compound with the formula (R(1-x)Zr_x)M(Fe(1-y)Co_y)T_cM_dA_e, where R represents rare earth elements, Zr, Ti, V, Mo, or W, M includes unavoidable impurities, and A is N, C, or P, is developed, with specific composition and production methods to enhance anisotropy field and saturation magnetization by controlling the volume percentage of the α-(Fe,Co) phase and cooling rate during production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If T content is reduced to increase magnetic element percentages, then saturation magnetization improves, but crystal structure stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaturation magnetizationVSAvoidcrystal structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the T content within 0.5-5.0 at% and Zr content within 0.1-5.0 at% ranges. This optimization balances the competing requirements: enough T to stabilize the ThMn12 crystal structure, but limited T to maintain high saturation magnetization. The specific compositional parameters achieve both structure stability and magnetic performance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system by combining rare earth elements (R), transition metals (Fe, Co, T), and Zr in specific proportions. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both the crystal structure stability provided by T and the high magnetization from Fe-Co magnetic elements, while Zr enhances coercivity. The composite formulation resolves the contradiction by distributing functions across multiple elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If cooling rate is increased to reduce α-(Fe,Co) phase deposition, then saturation magnetization improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaturation magnetizationVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the cooling rate within 1×10²-1×10⁴ K/s range. This controlled parameter adjustment suppresses excessive α-(Fe,Co) phase formation during solidification, thereby improving saturation magnetization. The specific cooling rate parameter achieves the desired microstructure without requiring overly complex manufacturing equipment.

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 magnetic compound achieves improved anisotropy field and saturation magnetization by reducing the T content and α-(Fe,Co) phase volume, resulting in a material with characteristics exceeding those of existing ThMn12 type compounds, particularly in motor applications.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic compound having a ThMn12 type crystal structure with high anisotropy field and high saturation magnetization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic anisotropy: Anisotropy

Implementation Method 2

adjusting the cooling rate of molten alloy during the production process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuenching: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP3018663B1Magnetic compound and method of producing the same
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP3018663B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3018663B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3018663B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

Provided is a magnetic compound represented by the formula (R(1-x)Zrx)a(Fe(1-y)Coy)bTcMdAe (wherein R represents one or more rare earth elements, T represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ti, V, Mo, and W, M represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of unavoidable impurity elements, Al, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ag, and Au, A represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of N, C, H, and P, 0≤x≤0.5, 0≤y≤0.6, 4≤a≤20, b=100-a-c-d, 0<c<7, 0≤d≤1, and 1≤e≤18), in which a main phase of the magnetic compound includes a ThMn12 type crystal structure, and a volume percentage of an α-(Fe,Co) phase is 20% or lower.