Preparation of PrCo5 bulk magnets using nanograin powders made by surfactant-assisted high energy milling

Abstract

PrCo5 nanograin powders used for making bulk magnets were produced by surfactant-assisted high energy ball milling. Using a special compaction technique at 200-525 °C, PrCo5 bulk magnets were successfully prepared using the nanoflake powders. This kind of bulk magnet has a cluster microstructure and is nanocrystalline. The coercivity of the bulk magnet pressed at 200 °C is 5.22 kOe. It is found that the density of the bulk increases with the compaction temperature. Bulk magnet density up to 92% of the theoretical value has been obtained. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.