Study on synthesis and magnetic properties of Nd–Fe–B alloy via reduction–diffusion process

Abstract

Synthesis of amorphous Nd–Fe–B nanoparticles under an aqueous borohydride solution and the magnetic behavior of the amorphous structure after mild heat treatment with CaH2 have been studied. The ultra-fine Nd–Fe–B nanoparticles were first synthesized from reduction of FeCl2 and NdCl3 using NaBH4 as a reducing agent in aqueous solution. The as-prepared precipitates, which were composed of Fe–B phase and Nd oxide phase, were then mixed with calcium hydride. The Nd oxide in the precipitates was reduced by CaH2 and then Nd diffused into the Fe–B phase via reduction–diffusion process. After the as-obtained Nd–Fe–B material was washed with acetic acid, its magnetic property was measured showing its ferromagnetic behavior.