Phys.org October 18, 2022
Researchers have been searching for new magnetic materials that can act as substitutes for the critically scarce components. Researchers at Northeastern University have patented a process to accelerate the creation of a rare earth magnet alternative using tetrataenite, whose magnetic properties make it a leading candidate to replace magnets made of the scarce material. To make the new magnet they altered the atomic structures of its iron and nickel components by arranging them into a crystal structure that resembles tetrataenite. Industrial permanent magnets are used to transfer energy from mechanical to electrical sources. The list of technologies that rely on magnetic flux is virtually endless, from electrical cars and wind turbines to computer hard drives, speakers, and military radars, among many other devices and applications. According to the researchers decoupling the scarce materials from magnet production not only provides sorely needed supply chain relief…read more.