Upgraded Nd-Fe-B-AD (AD=Al,Ga) magnets: wettability and microstructure

An enhanced coercivity of sintered Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets by Al or Ga additions that is associated with a change in microstructure has been demonstrated. These microstructural modifications were detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX)-assisted transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Two new ternary phases have been observed in Al-containing magnets. Improved wettability is given as an explanation for the modified microstructure, since similar results have been obtained for both Al and Ga additions.< >