Hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnet with macroscopic composite structure

Hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets with a larger maximum energy product at higher operating temperature are desirable in a wide range of applications but are very challenging to realize in a common "single phase" structure. Here, we show the macroscopic structural design in hot-deformed magnets by using two kinds of melt-spun powders with/without heavy rare earth. Higher coercivity with a remarkably improved maximum energy product is obtained in the separated multilayer magnet. We find that the multilayer structure can improve the c-axis alignment of platelet-shaped grains in each layer and propose the possible interlayer's long-range magnetic interaction explaining the recoil loop open of designed magnets, coupled with visible field-induced domain evolution. This experimental approach reveals exciting applications of structural design in ultrafine-grained hot-deformed magnets. Published by AIP Publishing.