Effect of WC addition on mechanical properties of hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets

Abstract Anisotropic Nd-Fe-B magnets with WC addition were prepared by hot deformation process. The effect of WC addition on the compressive and bending strength of hot-deformed Nd-Fe-B magnets has been investigated. The results suggest that the mechanical properties of hot-deformed magnets without WC addition show distinct anisotropy. Meanwhile, WC addition lowers the mechanical anisotropy in two directions parallel and perpendicular to c -axis, especially the compressive strength. The optimum mechanical properties are obtained at 1.0 wt % WC addition without sacrificing the magnetic properties. The observation for microstructure reveals that the fracture mechanism of hot-deformed magnets is a typical intergranular fracture and the crack is prior to propagate along the ribbon boundary. The improved mechanical properties might be attributed to both the grain refinement at ribbon boundaries and the reinforced effect of WC addition.