The potential of hydrogen in permanent magnet production

In this article, the application of the hydrogen decrepitation (HD) process to the production of rare earth containing permanent magnets is discussed. It is shown that the HD process can be applied successfully to the production of SmCo 5 − , Sm 2 (Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) 17 − and Nd 2 Fe 14 B-type magnets. The particular HD conditions for each category of permanent magnet are described. The characteristics of the HD powder of all three alloy types are compared with those of the normal milled material and it is seen that significant advantages accrue from the use of the HD powder.