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Send EmailNeodymium-Iron Alloy, Super Magnet Metal, NdFe Alloy, Neodymium Magnet Alloy, NdFe, 11110-99-3
NEODYMIUM-IRON ALLOY (NdFe)
SUPER MAGNET METAL / NEODYMIUM MAGNET ALLOY
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Neodymium-Iron Alloy |
| Chemical Name | Neodymium-Iron Alloy, NdFe Alloy |
| Other Names | Super Magnet Metal, Neodymium Magnet Alloy, Rare Earth Magnet Alloy |
| Chemical Composition | Neodymium (Nd) + Iron (Fe) - Final magnet may contain Boron (B) |
| CAS Number | 11110-99-3 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 234-360-7 |
| Appearance | Silver-gray, metallic |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (metallic) |
2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Neodymium-iron alloy is an intermetallic compound of neodymium and iron elements. In the final magnet product, the magnetic phase is Nd₂Fe₁₄B (tetragonal crystal structure). Neodymium (Nd) provides magnetic anisotropy (unpaired 4f electrons), while iron (Fe) provides high magnetization (unpaired 3d electrons). Boron (B) stabilizes the crystal structure. The alloy is hard and brittle; prone to fracture.
Structural Features:
NEODYMIUM-IRON ALLOY (NdFe)
|
Nd + Fe ( + B ) Intermetallic Compound
|
+----------------+----------------+
| | |
Nd₂Fe₁₄B Tetragonal High Magnetic
Magnetic Phase Crystal Structure Anisotropy
2.2. Structural Properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Crystal Structure (Final Product) | Tetragonal (Nd₂Fe₁₄B) |
| Magnetic Phase | Nd₂Fe₁₄B |
| Density | ~7.4 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Silver-gray, metallic luster |
| Melting Point | 1020 – 1050 °C |
| Magnetizability | Very high |
| Brittleness | Hard and brittle; prone to fracture |
| Oxidation Sensitivity | Rapidly tarnishes/oxidizes in humid air |
3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Silver-gray, metallic | - |
| Odor | Odorless | - |
| Chemical Composition | Nd + Fe (+ B) | - |
| Density | ~7.4 g/cm³ | - |
| Melting Point | 1020 – 1050 °C | - |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Insoluble | - |
| Solubility in Acids | Soluble | Releases hydrogen gas |
| Magnetic Properties | Very high magnetizability | - |
| Oxidation Sensitivity | High | Rapidly oxidizes in humid air |
| Corrosion Sensitivity | High | Requires protective coating |
| Reactivity | Active in humid environments | - |
| Brittleness | Hard and brittle | Prone to fracture |
3.1. Final Magnet Composition (NdFeB)
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Neodymium (Nd) | Provides magnetic anisotropy (unpaired 4f electrons) |
| Iron (Fe) | Provides high magnetization (unpaired 3d electrons) |
| Boron (B) | Stabilizes the crystal structure |
4. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Stability | Stable under normal conditions but rapidly oxidizes in humid air. |
| Conditions to Avoid | Humid environments, high moisture, strong acids, oxidizing atmosphere. |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong acids, moisture, oxidizing agents. |
| Hazardous Decomposition Products | Upon oxidation: neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃). |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Will not occur. |
| Hygroscopicity | Low; however, oxidation accelerates in humid environments. |
4.1. Chemical Reactions
Oxidation (in Humid Air):
4Nd + 3O₂ → 2Nd₂O₃
4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃
Reaction with Acids:
2Nd + 6HCl → 2NdCl₃ + 3H₂↑
Fe + 2HCl → FeCl₂ + H₂↑
5. PRODUCTION PROCESS
| Stage | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rare Earth Extraction | Neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) reduced to neodymium metal | Molten salt electrolysis / metallothermic reduction |
| 2. Alloying | Neodymium metal alloyed with iron (and boron) | Vacuum melting or strip casting |
| 3. Pulverization | Alloy ground into fine powder | Jet mill |
| 4. Pressing and Orientation | Powder pressed in magnetic field | Magnetic field alignment |
| 5. Sintering | Pressed parts heated to bond | High temperature densification |
| 6. Finishing and Coating | Cutting, grinding, surface coating (Ni, Zn, epoxy) | Corrosion protection |
| 7. Magnetization | Final product magnetized in strong field | Forms permanent magnet |
5.1. Major Producing Countries
| Country | Description |
|---|---|
| China | Dominant producer |
| USA | MP Materials – Mountain Pass facility |
| Australia | Rare earth production |
| Japan | Hitachi Metals |
6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. NdFeB Magnet Production (Primary Use)
| Application | Sector |
|---|---|
| Electric Vehicle (EV) Motors | Automotive |
| Wind Turbine Generators | Renewable Energy |
| MRI Devices | Medical Imaging |
| Speakers and Headphones | Electronics |
| Hard Disk Drives (HDD) | Data Storage |
| Robotics and Drone Motors | Industrial Automation / Aerospace |
| Defense Systems | Radar, Guidance Systems |
| Automotive Sensors | ABS, Electric Power Steering |
| Industrial Separators | Magnetic Separation |
6.2. Sectoral Suitability Table
| Sector | Suitability | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Suitable | EV traction motors, sensor systems, EPS |
| Electronics | Suitable | Speakers, microphones, HDD, smartphones |
| Defense and Aerospace | Suitable | Guidance systems, radar, critical components |
| Medical | Suitable | MRI, magnetic separators, diagnostic equipment |
| Renewable Energy | Suitable | Wind turbine generators |
| Robotics | Suitable | Actuators, servo motors |
| Food Industry | Not Suitable | Contamination risk, corrosion |
| Textile | Limited | Only in smart textile sensor systems |
7. NDFEB MAGNET GRADES AND PROPERTIES
Sintered NdFeB magnets are available in various performance grades:
| Grade | Br (mT/kGs) | Hcb (kA/m) | Hcj (kA/m) | (BH)max (kJ/m³/MGOe) | Max. Operating Temp. (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N35 | 1170-1220 / 11.7-12.2 | ≥860 | ≥955 | 263-287 / 33-36 | 80 |
| N38 | 1220-1250 / 12.2-12.5 | ≥876 | ≥955 | 287-310 / 36-39 | 80 |
| N40 | 1250-1280 / 12.5-12.8 | ≥876 | ≥955 | 302-326 / 38-41 | 80 |
| N42 | 1280-1320 / 12.8-13.2 | ≥892 | ≥955 | 318-342 / 40-43 | 80 |
| N45 | 1320-1380 / 13.2-13.8 | ≥892 | ≥955 | 342-366 / 43-46 | 80 |
| N48 | 1380-1420 / 13.8-14.2 | ≥923 | ≥876 | 366-390 / 46-49 | 80 |
| N50 | 1380-1440 / 13.8-14.4 | ≥923 | ≥955 | 376-408 / 47-51 | 80 |
| N52 | 1430-1480 / 14.3-14.8 | ≥860 | ≥876 | 398-422 / 50-53 | 80 |
High Temperature Grades (H, SH, UH, EH): Higher Hcj (≥1353 to ≥2388 kA/m) for operating temperatures up to 200°C+.
8. COMPARISON WITH OTHER MAGNET MATERIALS
| Property | Neodymium (NdFeB) | Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) | Ferrite | Alnico |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Highest | Very high | Low | Medium |
| Energy Product (BH)max | 200-440 kJ/m³ | 150-200 kJ/m³ | 10-40 kJ/m³ | 10-88 kJ/m³ |
| Max. Operating Temp. | 80-200°C (grade dependent) | 250-350°C | 250°C | 450-550°C |
| Corrosion Resistance | Poor (coating required) | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Brittleness | Very brittle | Very brittle | Brittle | Less brittle |
| Cost | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
| Primary Use | High-performance motors, EV | High temperature applications | Low-cost consumer products | High temperature sensors |
9. ALTERNATIVE / SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS
| Alternative | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) | High temperature applications (>200°C); better corrosion resistance |
| Ferrite Magnets | Low-cost, low-performance applications; high corrosion resistance |
| Alnico Alloys | High temperature tolerance (up to 550°C); lower magnetic strength |
10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Dermal Toxicity | Low |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Mild to moderate irritant |
| Inhalation | Metal dust inhalation may cause respiratory tract irritation. |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified as carcinogenic. |
| Mutagenicity | Not mutagenic. |
| Chronic Effects | Long-term data on neodymium and iron compounds is limited. |
| Environmental Hazards | Low to moderate aquatic toxicity. |
10.1. GHS Classification (Final Magnet Product)
| Hazard Class | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Hazards | - | Strong magnetic field hazards |
| Health Hazards | - | Crushing/pinching hazard; ingestion hazard (small magnets) |
10.2. Safety Precautions
| Hazard | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Strong Magnetic Fields | Keep away from pacemakers, medical implants, credit cards, electronic devices |
| Crushing / Pinching | Handle carefully; use non-magnetic tools for separation |
| Ingestion (Small Magnets) | Keep away from children; swallowing multiple magnets can cause serious internal injury |
| Flying Particles | Wear eye protection when handling; magnets may snap together forcefully |
| Flammability | Not flammable (bulk material) – fine powder may be pyrophoric |
11. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Condition |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, inert atmosphere (argon or vacuum recommended) |
| Container Requirements | Airtight, moisture-proof containers (with desiccant) |
| Temperature | Room temperature (15-25°C) |
| Protect From | Moisture, humidity, strong acids, oxidizing agents |
| Shelf Life (Alloy) | 12-24 months under proper storage (uncoated alloy oxidizes rapidly) |
12. PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Metallic Ingot | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg | Vacuum packaging, inert atmosphere |
| Powder / Granule | 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg | Airtight, moisture-proof plastic bags or drums |
| Sintered Magnet | Custom sizes | With protective coating (Ni, Zn, epoxy) |
13. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not classified (specific regulations apply for metal alloys) |
| Hazard Class | - |
| Packing Group | - |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated (except powder form) |
| IMDG | Not regulated (except powder form) |
| IATA | Not regulated (except powder form) |
| HS Code | 8105.21.00.00.00 |
14. REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| European Union (REACH) | Registered (varies by manufacturer) |
| Turkey (KKDIK) | Compliance required |
| TSCA (USA) | Registered; critical material status |
| China | Registered; major production and export country |
| USA | Critical material status; domestic production expanding (MP Materials) |
15. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| NdFe | Common abbreviation |
| Neodymium Magnet Alloy | Alternative name |
| Super Magnet Metal | Commercial name |
| Neodymium-Iron Alloy | Descriptive name |
| Rare Earth Magnet Alloy | Category name |
| Neodymium-Iron Alloy | English name |
| Neodymium Magnet Alloy | English name |
Database Identifiers:
CAS: 11110-99-3
EC: 234-360-7
16. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 11110-99-3 |
| EC Number | 234-360-7 |
| Chemical Composition | Nd + Fe (+ B) |
| Appearance | Silver-gray, metallic |
| Density | ~7.4 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1020 – 1050 °C |
| Magnetic Phase | Nd₂Fe₁₄B (tetragonal) |
| Magnetizability | Very high |
| HS Code | 8105.21.00.00.00 |
17. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Not a Finished Magnet: NdFe alloy is a raw material; final NdFeB magnets require Boron addition and processing (sintering or bonding). The final magnetic phase is Nd₂Fe₁₄B.
Corrosion Susceptibility: NdFeB magnets have the weakest corrosion resistance among common magnetic materials. Protective coatings (Ni, Zn, epoxy, gold) are required for most applications.
Brittleness: The material is hard and brittle. Handle carefully to avoid fracture or chipping.
Strong Magnetic Fields: Finished magnets produce extremely strong magnetic fields. Keep away from electronic devices, credit cards, and pacemakers. Use non-magnetic tools for handling.
Coating Options: Common coatings include nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), gold (Au), and epoxy resin.
Temperature Limitations: Standard N-grade magnets operate up to 80°C. For higher temperatures, select high Hcj grades (H, SH, UH, EH).
Critical Raw Material: Neodymium is classified as a critical raw material by many countries due to supply chain concerns.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Use inert atmosphere (Argon) or vacuum, moisture-proof containers.
Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents.
Store at room temperature (15-25°C).
Handling:
If in powder form, use in well-ventilated areas.
Use a dust mask (N95 or better), protective goggles, and gloves.
Avoid dust formation and inhalation.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Use non-magnetic tools when handling magnetized parts.
Do not leave uncoated alloy in humid environments.
Waste Management:
Dispose of in accordance with local regulations.
Do not discharge into water sources.
For large quantities, rare earth recovery should be considered (valuable metal).
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and has been prepared based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all local, national, and international regulations. For complete safety, storage, handling, transport, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier must be consulted. This document does not substitute professional advice. Neodymium-iron alloy (NdFe) is a precursor to NdFeB magnets and oxidizes rapidly in humid environments; protective coating and proper storage are required.