Enhanced mechanical properties and environmental stability of polymer-bonded magnets using three-step surface wet chemical modifications of Nd-Fe-B magnetic powder

Ana Damnjanović; Ingrid Milošev; Nataša Kovačević

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26024

Enhanced mechanical properties and environmental stability of polymer-bonded magnets using three-step surface wet chemical modifications of Nd-Fe-B magnetic powder

Heliyon. 2024 Feb 11;10(4):e26024. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26024. eCollection 2024 Feb 29.

Authors

Ana Damnjanović^{1

2}, Ingrid Milošev³, Nataša Kovačević¹

Affiliations

¹ Kolektor Mobility d.o.o, Vojkova Ulica 10, SI-5280, Idrija, Slovenia.
² Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Doctoral Study Programme Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies, Jamova C. 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
³ Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Physical and Organic Chemistry, Jamova C. 39, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Abstract

This research focuses on the surface modification of Nd-Fe-B magnetic powder to enhance its thermal and oxidation resistance without compromising magnetic properties and to improve adhesion to the polymer binder for enhanced mechanical properties. A three-step surface modification process involving phosphatization treatment, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) application, and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) grafting, was applied to the powder, which was then compounded with polyamide 12 and injection-moulded into cylinders and dog-bone-shaped tubes. The resulting magnets exhibited remanence (B_r) of 487.6 mT, coercivity (H_ci) of 727.7 kA/m, and energy product (BH_max) of 39.3 kJ/m³. The modified magnets demonstrated exceptional corrosion resistance and thermal stability, with less than 5% irreversible flux loss after exposure to hot water, temperature shock, and pressurised steam. Furthermore, the modified magnets displayed significantly higher tensile strength, elongation at break, and elastic modulus with improvements of 62%, 16.7%, and 19.9%, respectively, compared to the non-modified batch. Additionally, the modified batch showed a notable 52% increase in flexural stress during flexural testing. These findings underscore the potential of silane surface modifications in producing injection-moulded permanent magnets based on Nd-Fe-B alloy, extending their shelf life and enhancing their overall performance.

Keywords: Corrosion resistance; Nd–Fe–B; Permanent magnets; Surface modification; Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS); γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES).