[T16] Hard Magnetic Materials

[14E-T16-06] Preparation of Sm-Co Alloy Nanopowders Using Mixture of Sm and Co Powders by Induction Thermal Plasma Process

*K. Park¹, Y. Hirayama¹ (1.National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan)

Keywords:magnetic nanoparticles, induction thermal plasma, Sm-Co alloys

The fine magnetic alloy particles with high coercivity are optimal precursors for the development of high-performance permanent magnets. The induction thermal plasma (ITP) process, which is a bottom-up physical gas evaporation process, is a promising method for preparing nanoparticles smaller than 300 nm. In this study, the Sm-Co magnetic alloy nanopowders were successfully prepared by the ITP process using a mixture of Sm and Co powders with an atomic ratio of Sm:Co = 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5. The spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 70 nm were obtained. The formation of Sm-Co alloy phases according to the mixing ratio of Sm and Co powders was investigated by X-ray diffraction profile. This study suggests that the ITP process is a promising new strategy for preparing the unique magnetic nanopowder.