What is it about?
We re-examine the experimental data measuring the magnetic properties of L10 FeNi (the meteoritic mineral tetrataenite), a material under scrutiny as a sustainable permanent magnet for advanced engineering applications. This rare-earth-free magnet is formed entirely of two abundant transition metals and is poised to reduce global reliance on critical materials. Using state-of-the-art computational modelling, we study the effect of imperfect atomic order and finite temperature on the magnetic properties of this material and propose that our results are in good agreement with the limited experimental data, lending continued support for further development of this compound for applications.
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Photo by Roberto Sorin on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Permanent magnets are essential in the transition to a low-carbon future due to their use in electrical motors and generators. However, at present, almost all permanent magnets used for advanced applications use significant quantities of the so-called rare-earth elements such as Neodymium, and Samarium, a highly constrained resource. Advancing fundamental understanding of rare-earth-free magnetic materials such as L10 FeNi could pave the way for development of more sustainable permanent magnets for a range of applications.
Perspectives
I hope that this article gives fresh insight into the well-known FeNi system. Pulling together previous experimental and theoretical data has been deeply interesting, and has led to a deepened understanding of this material for all involved.
Christopher Woodgate
University of Warwick
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Revisiting Néel 60 years on: The magnetic anisotropy of L10 FeNi (tetrataenite), Journal of Applied Physics, October 2023, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0169752.
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