Crystal structure and magnetic properties of Ce2Fe14−xCoxB alloys

Abstract Permanent magnet materials based on the R 2 Fe 14 B phase (R = rare earth element) are essential to a wide variety of applications, among them automotive traction motors. Current state-of-the-art materials rely on R = Nd and Dy, for both of which there are supply uncertainties and rapidly rising costs. A possible alternative is R = Ce, the most abundant rare earth, but Ce 2 Fe 14 B has several disadvantages, including a low Curie temperature ( T c ) that limits its maximum operating point to well below that required for some automotive uses. Here we systematically investigate the Ce 2 Fe 14− x Co x B system by exploring Co substitution for Fe in melt-spun ribbons as a means of increasing T c . In addition to T c we report the solubility of Co in Ce 2 Fe 14 B and its effect on the crystal structure and hard magnetic properties.