NEDO Develops Strong Magnet Material without Rare Earth

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization of Japan announced on Thursday the organization developed new making method of ferromagnetic iron nitride power, which could have higher magnetic property than traditional strongest magnet of neodymium-iron-boron magnet. The organization makes a step to realize rare earth-free high performance magnet in cooperation with world’s largest ferrous compounds maker, Toda Kogyo and Tohoku University.

Toda Kogyo made raw material of ferromagnetic iron nitride powder and Tohoku University succeeded in making of precursor of the powder. They confirmed the method can be replicated in targeted grams. They found the magnetic crystalline anisotropy performance was as high as the highest record in the test history for film type of ferromagnetic iron nitride. The powder can be easily made on industrial basis due to its stability in air.

The organization and partners analyze formation mechanism of ferromagnetic iron nitride powder and try to control the nanostructure control for magnet material with higher performance. They also promote development of rare earth free magnet motor in cooperation with motor makers.