The mechanism of enhanced magnetic properties of sintered permanent magnets by substitution of Pr for Nd

In this study, the influence of substitution of Nd with Pr on the magnetic of sintered permanent magnets was investigated. The samples were prepared by traditional powder metallurgical technique. The nominal composition of the alloys is (Nd1−xPrx)29Dy1.3R3.1Febal (R = Al0.3Cu0.2 Co1.5 B1Zr0.1, wt%) with x varying from 0 to 1 in steps of 0.2. Experimental results show that the overall magnetic properties, especially the intrinsic coercivity and thermal stability of the magnets, could be improved by substituting Nd with Pr in the magnets. When the Pr replaces all Nd in the magnets, excellent performance magnets with Br = 13.65 KGs, Hcj = 22.13 KOe, (BH)max = 46.1 MGsOe are obtained with a low Dy content (1.3 wt%).

► Low Dy sintered permanent magnets with high performance were produced.
► Magnetic properties of sintered magnets could be improved by substitution of Pr for Nd.
► Microstructure of sintered magnets could be refined by substitution of Pr for Nd.