Grain Refined Nanocomposites: A Study on the Effect of Additives on Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Permanent Magnets

该奖项的研究目的是加深对颗粒细化对复合永磁体整体磁性能影响的理解。研究方法是系统地在复合材料中添加不相容的原子，同时评价磁体的结构-磁性关系。这项研究将导致开发下一代高强度和高工作温度的磁体。成果包括确定添加剂的类型和了解控制磁体磁性行为的基本机制、评估可用于合成其他复合磁体的合成工艺、建立合成和表征仪器、建模和分析工具、文档记录和结果传播、材料科学教育，以及向包括少数族裔和贫困学生在内的一系列学生提供研究经验。如果成功，从该项目中获得的了解将有助于制造具有成本效益、重量轻、高强度和高工作温度的永磁体。例如，这种磁体的应用包括用于空中和太空车辆的轻型电机和发电机，以及包括汽车和轨道在内的地面蒸腾。这也将缓解当前和未来技术中不断升级的电力需求，这些技术需要轻量级和高能效的设备。毫无疑问，功率密度高的磁铁也将有助于将碳足迹降至最低。结果将被传播，使研究界能够开发新的高性能磁体。与其他机构的积极合作将扩大对这一研究课题的理解和欣赏。研究生、本科生、少数族裔和REU学生将通过课堂教学和参与研究而受益。来自当地高校的学生将有机会参加高端研究活动。

The research objective of this award is to develop understanding of the effect of grain refinement on the overall magnetic performance of composite permanent magnets. The research approach is to systematically add immiscible atoms in the composites and concomitantly evaluating the structural-magnetic property relationship in the magnets. The research will result in developing next generation high strength and high operating temperature magnets. Deliverables include identifying type of additives and understanding the fundamental mechanism governing the magnetic behavior of the magnets, evaluating synthesis process which can be adapted in the synthesis of other composite magnets, setting up synthesis and characterization instrumentation, modeling and analysis tools, documentation and dissemination of results, materials science education, and research experience to range of students including minority and underprivileged students.If successful, the understanding derived from this project will help create cost effective, light weight, high strength, and high operating temperature permanent magnets. Example applications of such magnets include light weight motors and generators for air and space vehicles and ground transpiration including cars and rails. This will also mitigate some of the ever-escalating power needs in both current and future technologies needing light weight and energy efficient devices. Unequivocally the power dense magnets will aid in minimizing carbon footprint as well. The results will be disseminated to allow research community to develop novel high performance magnets. The active collaboration with other institutions will broaden understanding and appreciation for the research subject. Graduate, undergraduate, minority, and REU students will benefit through classroom instruction and involvement in the research. Students from local colleges will have an opportunity to participate in high-end research activity.