Active magnetic regenerator performance enhancement using passive magnetic materials

Magnetic refrigeration devices using permanent magnets are currently limited to useful field strengths of less than 2 T, and more practically less than 1.5 T. In this range, the useful magnetocaloric effect is less than 6 K and limits the cooling power of active magnetic regenerator (AMR) devices. Maximizing the useful magnetocaloric effect is critical in enabling commercially viable permanent magnet devices, and methods of increasing the net change in magnetic field would be beneficial. It has been shown [O. Peksoy, A. Rowe, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 288 (2005) 424] that the geometry of a regenerator and the magnetic properties of the refrigerant can alter the local magnetic field, H. This is called demagnetization. A numerical model is used to study demagnetizing effects in a single-material AMR. The use of additional passive magnetic material to reduce demagnetization is examined and suggests that augmenting the effective field, H, is possible. Numerical results are validated with experiments in near room temperature using AMRs consisting of Gd and Gd_0.74Tb_0.26 adjacent to layers composed of 1010 carbon steel. Experimental data show an increase in the no-load temperature span for certain operating conditions and confirm the beneficial impact of using passive magnetic material to reduce demagnetization effects at low fields.     

Effects of powder flowability on the alignment degree and magnetic properties for NdFeB sintermagnets

The magnetic powders for sintered NdFeB magnets have been prepared by using the strip casting (SC), hydrogen decrepitation (HD) and jet milling (JM) techniques. The effects of powder flowability and addition of a lubricant on the alignment degree and the hard magnetic properties of sintered magnets have been studied. The results show that the main factor affecting powder flowability is the aggregation of magnetic particles for powders in a loose state, but it is the friction between the powder particles for powders that are in a compact state. The addition of a lubricant with suitable dose can slightly prevent the congregating of powders, obviously decrease the friction between the powder particles, improve the powder flowability, and increase the alignment degree, remanence and energy product density of sintered magnets. Mixing a suitable dose of lubricant and adopting rubber isostatic pressing (RIP) with a pulse magnetic field, we have succeeded in producing the sintered NdFeB magnet with high hard magnetic properties of B_r=14.57 KG, _jH_c=14.43 KOe, (BH)_max=51.3 MGOe.     

On some consequences of an external magnetic field applied to HTS coils

A computational model which enables to evaluate the distribution of the critical currents, electric fields and the voltage in the winding of a solenoidal high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets subjected to an external magnetic field parallel with the magnet axis, was developed. The model comes out from the well-known power law between the electric field and the transport current of the HTS tape short sample. It allows to predict the voltage–current V(I) characteristics of both the pancake coils and the complete magnet. The model was applied to the magnet system consisting of 22 pancake coils made of multifilamentary Bi(2223)/Ag tape at 20 K, which is subjected to an external uniform magnetic field parallel with the coil axis. A rather unexpected behavior of the magnet at different operating conditions (operating current and external magnetic field strength) is predicted, analyzed and reported together with a theoretical explanation. On one hand, the external uniform magnetic field parallel with the coil axis increases the resulting magnetic field strength, however, on the other hand it simultaneously decreases the angle between the resulting magnetic field and the tape surface. Thus, the effect of higher magnetic loading caused by the presence of an external magnetic field strength which is acting on individual turns located close to the coil’s flanges is compensated by more favorable orientation of the tape with respect to the resulting magnetic field. As a result, increase in the critical currents of these turns is expected. Further, the results indicate, that in case of the high field HTS insert coils the anisotropy in the I_c(B) characteristic does not play a substantial role. As a consequence, the technology of the production of the tapes for high field insert HTS coils should concentrate rather on the tapes having the current carrying capacity as high as possible, than on the attempt how to decrease the anisotropy in the I_c(B) by changing the architecture of the filaments in the tape.     

Specific features of the magnetoresistance in multilayer systems of magnetic nanoislands in weak magnetic fields

New magnetic structures such as multilayer systems of magnetic nanoislands being alternating layers of nanoislands of various magnets have been proposed. The electric, magnetic, and magnetooptical properties of the systems have been studied. The magnetoresistance of ～2% related to the anisotropic effect has been revealed. In multilayer structures of magnetic nanoislands, a unidirectional axis of predominant magnetization has been found, which changes its orientation depending on the structure parameters. The magnetic field required to reorient the axis in the opposite direction has been estimated to be 2 kOe < H _A < 20 kOe. The periodic multilayer structures of magnetic nanoislands are very sensitive to hyperweak magnetic fields (to 10^?6 Oe).     

A novel structure of permanent-magnet-biased radial hybrid magnetic bearing

The paper proposes a novel structure for a permanent-magnet-biased radial hybrid magnetic bearing. Based on the air gap between the rotor and stator of traditional radial hybrid magnetic bearings, a subsidiary air gap is first constructed between the permanent magnets and the inner magnetic parts. Radial magnetic bearing makes X and Y magnetic fields independent of each other with separate stator poles, and the subsidiary air gap makes control flux to a close loop. As a result, magnetic field coupling of the X and Y channels is decreased significantly by the radial hybrid magnetic bearing and makes it easier to design control systems. Then an external rotor structure is designed into the radial hybrid magnetic bearing. The working principle of the radial hybrid magnetic bearing and its mathematical model is discussed. Finally, a non-linear magnetic network method is proposed to analyze the radial hybrid magnetic bearing. Simulation results indicate that magnetic fields in the two channels of the proposed radial hybrid magnetic bearing decouple well from each other.     

New developments in technologically important magnetic materials

In the past decade there has been a number of new developments in magnetic materials that should pave the way for expanded applications. These include: highly oriented high induction silicon steel; new varieties of permalloys, especially near 65% Ni; amorphous soft magnetic materials of the type (Fe, Co, Ni)₈₀ (P, B, Al)₂₀ produced by continuous rapid quenching; rare earth-cobalt permanent magnets with _iH_c to 150 kA/m and (BH)_max to 200 kJ/m³; ductile chromium cobalt iron permanent magnets with properties comparable to the alnicos; new families of ductile semihard magnets particularly for miniature self-latching dry reed contacts; and a new memory technology based on magnetic bubbles. These new developments will be discussed along with prospects for future applications.     

Production and corrosion resistance of NdFeBZr magnets with an improved response to thermal variations during sintering

This study describes an attempt to produce NdFeB magnets that are insensitive to the sintering temperature. It was found that addition of Zr to NdFeB magnets significantly augmented the thermal stability of this magnetic material during sintering at high temperature even at industrial scale. The best sintered magnets were produced by jet-milling the powder (to achieve an average 3.4 μm particle size), and then aligned, pressed and sintered under argon at 1100 °C for 3 h followed by appropriate heat treatment. The magnetic properties of the resulting magnets were: (BH)_m=403.8 kJ m⁻³ (±4.7 kJ m⁻³), B_r=1430 mT (±9 mT) and _iH_c=907 kA m⁻¹ (±12 kA m⁻¹). Large grain growth, in excess of 100 μm in the Zr-free magnets, was observed during sintering at 1100 °C. This did not occur in the presence of Zr. These observations imply that the sensitivity of this class of magnets to high sintering temperatures is greatly reduced by Zr addition. Corrosion resistance of NdFeB was therefore significantly improved by the addition of small amounts of Zr.     

Analysis of the magnetic field, force, and torque for two-dimensional Halbach cylinders

The Halbach cylinder is a construction of permanent magnets used in applications such as nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus, accelerator magnets and magnetic cooling devices. In this paper the analytical expression for the magnetic vector potential, magnetic flux density and magnetic field for a two dimensional Halbach cylinder are derived. The remanent flux density of a Halbach magnet is characterized by the integer p. For a number of applications the force and torque between two concentric Halbach cylinders are important. These quantities are calculated and the force is shown to be zero except for the case where p for the inner magnet is one minus p for the outer magnet. Also the force is shown never to be balancing. The torque is shown to be zero unless the inner magnet p is equal to minus the outer magnet p. Thus there can never be a force and a torque in the same system.     

Magnetic properties of the Ce2Fe17−xMnx helical magnets up to high magnetic fields

Magnetic properties of the Ce₂Fe_17−xMn_x, x=0–2, alloys in magnetic fields up to 40 T are reported. The compounds with x=0.5–1 are helical antiferromagnets and those with 1<x?2 are helical ferromagnets or helical antiferromagnets at low and high T, respectively. Mn ions in the system carry average magnetic moment of 3.0±0.2 μ_B that couple antiparallelly to the Fe moments. Easy-plane magnetic anisotropy in the Ce₂Fe_17−xMn_x compounds weakens upon substitution of Mn for Fe. The absolute value of the first anisotropy constant in the Ce₂Fe_17−xMn_x helical ferromagnets decreases slower with increasing temperature than that calculated from the third power of the spontaneous magnetization. Noticeable magnetic hysteresis in the Ce₂Fe_17−xMn_x, x=0.5–2, helical magnets over the whole range of magnetic fields reflects mainly irreversible deformation of the helical magnetic structure during the magnetization of the compounds. A contribution from short-range order (SRO) magnetic clusters to the magnetic hysteresis of the helical magnets has been also estimated.     

Resin-bonded permanent magnetic films with out-of-plane magnetization for MEMS applications

Resin-bonded permanent magnets with out-of-plain direction of magnetization and improved magnetic properties for magnetic MEMS actuator have been created. The material investigated consists of magnetically anisotropic strontium ferrite particles embedded into epoxy resin matrix upto a volume loading of 80%. Intrinsic coercivity H_ci of 6000 Oe (480 kA/m), residual magnetic flux density B_r up to 4000 G (0.4 T) and maximum energy product (BH)_max of 3.0 MG Oe (23.6 kJ/m³) have been attained due to magnetic-field-induced alignment of the ferrite particles during curing process.     

Study of high-coercivity sintered NdFeB magnets

Magnetic powders for sintered NdFeB magnets have been prepared by using an advanced processing method including strip casting, hydrogen decrepitation, jet milling and rubber isotropic press. The effects of Dy, Ga and Co addition on the microstructure and magnetic properties of sintered magnets have been investigated. By adopting a suitable component ratio and adjusting proper technological parameters, we have prepared high-coercivity sintered NdFeB magnets with hard magnetic properties of _jH_c=25.6 kOe, B_r=13.2 kG and (BH)_max=39.9 MGOe. The temperature coefficient of coercivity of the magnets (between 20 and 150 °C) is –0.53%/°C. The magnetic properties at high temperature satisfy the needs of permanent magnet motors.     

High magnetic field researches in Tohoku University

Using hybrid magnets for fields up to 31 T, superconducting magnets up to 20 T and cryogen-free magnets up to 15 T, characterization of superconductors, materials synthesis and condensed matter physics are being done in the High Field Laboratory for Superconducting Materials. We have developed thin strong superconducting wire, which enable us to construct compact magnet, cryogen-free magnet and cryogen-free hybrid magnet for the first time. We have found that polymer materials, high T_c superconductors and protein single crystals synthesized in high magnetic fields show different characters from those synthesized in normal condition. Magnetic levitation is performed to make a microgravity condition for materials processing similar to the space.     

Effect of γ-ray irradiation on the magnetic properties of NdFeB and Fe–Cr–Co permanent magnets

The effect of γ-ray irradiation on the magnetic properties of NdFeB and Fe–Cr–Co permanent magnets has been investigated. The magnetic flux loss of two kinds of magnets before and after irradiation was measured. Results show that the effect of γ-ray irradiation on the magnetic properties of sintered NdFeB is not so obvious as that on Fe–Cr–Co magnet. Irradiation-induced damage from γ-ray for the Fe–Cr–Co magnets was characterized for the first time. The decline of permanent magnetic properties of Fe–Cr–Co magnet induced by γ-ray irradiation is reversible except for the maximum energy product (BH)_max. The difference of coercivity mechanism between these two kinds of permanent magnets is responsible for the different dependence of magnetic properties loss induced by γ-ray irradiation.     

Ferromagnetic seeding for the magnetic targeting of drugs and radiation in capillary beds

A new implant assisted-magnetic drug targeting approach is introduced and theoretically analyzed to demonstrate its feasibility. This approach uses ferromagnetic particles as seeds for collecting magnetic drug carrier particles at the desired site in the body, such as in a capillary bed near a tumor. Based on the capture cross section (λ_c) approach, a parametric study was carried out using a 2-D mathematical model to reveal the effects of the magnetic field strength (μ₀H₀=0.01–1.0 T), magnetic drug carrier particle radius (R_p=20–500 nm), magnetic drug carrier particle ferromagnetic material content (x_fm,p=20–80 wt%), average blood velocity (u_B=0.05–1.0 cm/s), seed radius (R_s=100–2000 nm), number of seeds (N_s=1–8), seed separation (h=0–8R_s), and magnetic drug carrier particle and seed ferromagnetic material saturation magnetizations (iron, SS 409, magnetite, and SS 304) on the performance of the system. Increasing the magnetic field strength, magnetic drug carrier particle size, seed size, magnetic drug carrier particle ferromagnetic material content, or magnetic drug carrier particle or seed saturation magnetization, all positively and significantly affected λ_c, while increasing the average blood velocity adversely affected it. Increasing the number of seeds or decreasing the seed separation, with both causing less significant increases in λ_c, verified that cooperative magnetic effects exist between the seeds that enhance the performance. Overall, these theoretical results were encouraging as they showed the viability of this minimally invasive, implant assisted-magnetic drug targeting approach for targeting drugs or radiation in capillary beds.     

Evaluation of magnetic force distribution on a pair of superconducting bulk magnets

We study the construction of superconducting permanent magnets by RE123 bulk materials and the investigation of these industrial applications such as a magnetic separation. A bulk magnet can generate strong magnetic fields exceeding 2 T, which is the limit of ordinary iron-cored electromagnets, in a compact device with a low running cost. A magnetic field distribution of the bulk magnet is a cone shape, and it contributes to an increase of magnetic force which is proportional to the product of a magnetic field and its gradient. It is important to evaluate magnetic force when the application of the bulk magnet is discussed. In this paper, two Gd123 bulk materials of 65 mm in diameter were magnetized using a pair of superconducting bulk magnet system and three-axis components of magnetic flux density (B_x,⋅B_y, and B_z) in an open space between the magnetic poles were scanned with pitch of 2 mm in each direction. From these measured data, the axial and radial components of magnetic force factor, B_z⋅dB_z/dz and B_r⋅dB_r/dr, were calculated. At 10 mm gap, the B_z⋅dB_z/dz value reached 180.6 T²/m for a field of 2.33 T, which is comparable to B_z = 6.76 T for a common 10 T–100 mm∅ superconducting magnet.     

Effects of compositions on characteristics and microstructures for melt-spun ribbons and die-upset magnets of Nd12.8+xFe81.2−x−y−zCoyGazB6

The effects of varying Nd-contents on the magnetic properties of Nd_12.8+xFe_{81.2−x−y−z}Co_yGa_zB₆ ribbons and the resulting die-upset magnets have been investigated. It was found that the Nd content has a significant effect on both magnetic properties and texture of the die-upset magnets. An optimum Nd content exhibits good texture, while both Nd-lean and excessively Nd-rich Nd-Fe-B alloys lead to unsatisfactory textures. The magnetic properties and texture of the die-upset magnets strongly deteriorated with a further increase in the Nd-content. The thermo-mechanical characteristics and the formation mechanism of two kinds of cracks in backward-extruded ring magnets have also been investigated.     

Manipulation of magnetic carriers for drug delivery using pulsed-current high Tc superconductors

An innovative method of manipulating magnetic carriers is proposed, and its feasibility for drug delivery and therapy is demonstrated experimentally. The proposed method employs pulsed-field solenoid coils with high-critical- temperature (T_c) superconductor inserts. Pulsed current is used to magnetize and de-magnetize the superconductor insert. The proposed method was demonstrated to be able to (1) move magnetic particles, ranging in size from a few millimeters to 10 μm, with strong enough forces over a substantial distance, (2) hold the particles at a designated position as long as needed, and (3) reverse the processes and retrieve the particles. We further demonstrated that magnetic particles can be manipulated in a stationary environment, in water flow, and in simulated blood (water/glycerol mixture) flow.     

Effect of thermal treatment on the magnetic properties and structure of (Nd, Pr)-(Tb, Dy, Gd)-(Fe, Co, Al, Cu, Re)-type magnets

The effect of thermal treatment on the magnetic properties and structure of magnets made from an alloy of (wt %) 6.3 Nd, 6.84 Pr, 14.5 Dy, 2.12 Tb, 2.25 Gd, 14.0 co, 52.62 Fe, 0.08 Al, 0.03 Cu, 0.03 Re, 1.23 B is investigated. Following the optimum heat treatment (1175 K, 7.2 ks + cooling V = 0.02 K/s+ 675 K, 3.6 ks), baked magnets have the following magnetic properties at 300 K: B _r = 9.93 T, _j H _c = 1640 kA/m, H _k = 1360 kA/m, BH _max = 168 kJ/m³, α < |0.01|% K in the temperature range of 223–373 K. Nanoheterogenic areas 8–12 nm in size are found in grains of R ₂(Fe,M)₁₄B-type magnetosolid phase by means of atomic force microscopy.     

2:17-type SmCo magnets prepared by powder injection molding using a water-based binder

2:17-type SmCo permanent magnets by powder injection molding using a water-based binder have been studied. The water-based binder is methylcellulose solution, which consists of deionized water and methylcellulose. When the solution concentration is 0.5 wt%, the carbon content of the sintered magnets is below 0.1 wt% and the magnets have better magnetic properties. The magnetic properties and density of the sintered magnets can be increased through pre-sintering in vacuum (10⁻³ Pa) at 1200 °C. However, the Sm content of the magnets loses obviously in pre-sintering for a long period. The appropriate pre-sintering duration is 20–40 min. The magnetic properties of the magnets are: Br=0.97 T, H_cj=871 kA/m, BH_max=157 kJ/m³. The structure of the magnet consists of the matrix phases (2:17 phases) and the precipitate phases (1:5 phases).     

Particle size effect on phase and magnetic properties of polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles

Polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles are hi-tech materials with ample applications in the field of biomedicine for the treatment of cancer and targeted drug delivery. In this study, magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical reduction of FeCl₂ solution with sodium borohydride and coated with amine-terminated polyethylene glycol (aPEG). By varying the concentration of the reactants, the particle size and the crystallinity of the particles were varied. The particle size was found to increase from 6 to 20 nm and the structure becomes amorphous-like with increase in the molar concentration of the reactant. The magnetization at 1 T field (M_1T) for all samples is > 45 emu/g while the coercivity is in the range of 100-350 Oe. When the ethanol-suspended particles are subjected to an alternating magnetic field of 4 Oe at 500 kHz, the temperature is increased to a maximum normalized temperature (3.8 °C/mg) with decreasing particle size.