Effect of magnetic fields on melt-spun Nd2Fe14B-based ribbons

The effect of a magnetic field on microstructure and magnetic properties of Nd2Fe14B-based melt-spun ribbons is investigated. The magnetic field was applied in perpendicular or parallel direction to the ribbon plane during quench with a field strength up to several kilo Oersteds. The XRD patterns and TEM graphs show a strong grain size reduction upon the magnetic field application. The magnetic field also enhances the (001) texture of ribbons when the field is perpendicular to the ribbon plane. The refined microstructure with significantly reduced grain size leads to enhanced magnetic exchange interactions between the hard and soft phases in the Nd2Fe14B/Fe nanocomposite ribbons. This magnetic field-assisted melt-spinning technique is promising for producing nanocomposite magnets with enhanced energy density. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3679161]