Advanced Magnetic Actuation: Harnessing the Dynamics of Sm2Fe17–xCuxN3 Composites

Recently, there has been an escalating demand for advanced materials with superior magnetic properties, especially in the actuator domain. High coercivity (H_ci), an essential magnetic property, is pivotal for programmable shape changes in magnetic actuators and profoundly affects their performance. In this study, a new Sm₂Fe_17-xCu_xN₃ magnet with a high H_ci was achieved by modifying the temperature of the reduction-diffusion process─lowering it from 900 to 700 °C through the introduction of Cu and finer control over the structure and morphology of the Sm₂Fe_17-xCu_xN₃ magnetic component within the actuator composite. Consequently, the Sm₂Fe_17-xCu_xN₃ magnet demonstrated a remarkable H_ci of 11.5 kOe, eclipsing the value of 6.9 kOe attained by unalloyed Sm₂Fe₁₇N₃ at reduced temperatures. By capitalizing on the enhanced magnetic properties of the Sm₂Fe_17-xCu_xN₃ composite and incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) into the elastomer matrix, we successfully fabricated a robust actuator. This innovative approach harnesses the strengths of hard magnets as actuators, offering stability under high-temperature conditions, precision control, longevity, wireless functionality, and energy efficiency, highlighting the vast potential of hard magnets for a range of applications.