High Performance, Lightweight Thermoplastic/Rare-Earth Alloy Magnets

Jun Xiao and Joshua U. Otaigbe

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Iowa State University of Science and Technology,

Ames, IA, USA

Abstract

The authors report progress on the exploratory research on surface modification of magnetic NdFeB fillers, characterization of suitable magnetic rare earth alloy powders and high-performance polymer matrixes, processability, and properties of novel thermoplastic/NdFeB magnets. Probably blending liq. crystal polymer (LCP) with a high-thermoplastic polymer such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) provides the required balance of properties. These properties include superior magneto-mech. performance, minimal melt viscosity at optimal NdFeB vol. loading, enhanced thermal stability, high stiffness, high strength, improved dimensional stability, and excellent chem. resistance; making the thermoplastics magnets suitable for use in high temp. and aggressive environments where com. polymer-bonded magnets are not useable.