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Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy, Neodymium Magnet, NdFeB Magnet

Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy, Neodymium Magnet, NdFeB Magnet

NEODYMIUM-IRON-BORON ALLOY (NdFeB)
NEODYMIUM MAGNET / NDFEB MAGNET
1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Information
Product Name Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy
Chemical Name Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy, NdFeB Magnet
Other Names Super Magnet, Neo Magnet, Magnetic King, Rare Earth Magnet
Chemical Formula Nd₂Fe₁₄B
CAS Number 7440-00-8 (General for NdFeB alloy)
EC Number (EINECS) None (considered as a mixture)
Appearance Silver-gray, metallic
Odor Odorless
Physical State (20°C) Solid (metallic)

2. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE
2.1. Molecular Structure
Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) alloy is the strongest commercially available permanent magnet material in the world. The magnetic phase is Nd₂Fe₁₄B with a 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-BORON ALLOY [Nd₂Fe₁₄B]
                          |
                Nd₂Fe₁₄B Tetragonal Crystal Structure
                          |
        +----------------+----------------+
        |                |                |
    Nd Magnetic      Fe High         B Crystal
    Anisotropy       Magnetization   Stabilizer

2.2. Structural Properties

Parameter Value
Crystal Structure Tetragonal (Nd₂Fe₁₄B)
Magnetic Phase Nd₂Fe₁₄B
Density ~7.5 g/cm³
Appearance Silver-gray, metallic
Melting Point ~1350 °C
Magnetizability Very high (remanent magnetization ~1.3 T)
Brittleness Hard and brittle; prone to fracture
Oxidation Sensitivity Rapidly oxidizes in humid air; protective coating required

3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value Description
Appearance Silver-gray, metallic -
Odor Odorless -
Chemical Formula Nd₂Fe₁₄B -
Molecular Weight ~1077.4 g/mol -
Density ~7.5 g/cm³ -
Melting Point ~1350 °C -
Solubility in Water (25°C) Insoluble -
Solubility in Acids Soluble Releases hydrogen gas
Remanent Magnetization (Br) ~1.3 T (13 kGs) Varies by grade
Coercivity (Hcj) 876 – 2388 kA/m Varies by grade
Energy Product (BH)max 200 – 440 kJ/m³ Varies by grade
Max. Operating Temperature 80 – 200 °C Varies by grade
Corrosion Resistance Poor Protective coating required
Oxidation Sensitivity High Rapidly oxidizes in humid air

3.1. 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+.

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, temperatures above 200°C (grade dependent).
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 and Companies

Country Companies
China JL MAG, Zhong Ke San Huan, Ningbo Yunsheng
Japan Hitachi Metals, Shin-Etsu Chemical
USA MP Materials, Electron Energy Corporation
Germany Vacuumschmelze

6. APPLICATION AREAS
6.1. Primary Applications

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
Magnetic Sensors Industrial and Consumer Electronics
Actuators Automation Systems

6.2. Sectoral Suitability Table

Sector Suitability Explanation
Automotive Suitable EV motors, sensor systems, EPS
Electronics Suitable HDD, speakers, microphones, smartphones
Defense 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. 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

8. 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

9. 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, iron, and boron compounds is limited.
Environmental Hazards Low to moderate aquatic toxicity.

9.1. GHS Classification (Final Magnet Product)

Hazard Class Category Description
Physical Hazards - Strong magnetic field hazards
Health Hazards - Crushing/pinching hazard; ingestion hazard (small magnets)

9.2. 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

10. STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

Parameter Condition
Storage Conditions Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Container Requirements Dry, moisture-free environment; should be stored with protective coating.
Temperature Room temperature (15-25°C); maximum operating temperature depends on grade.
Protect From Moisture, humidity, strong acids, oxidizing agents, high temperatures (grade dependent).
Shelf Life 10+ years under proper storage (with protective coating).

11. PACKAGING OPTIONS

Packaging Type Quantity Material
Coated Magnets Custom sizes With Ni, Zn, Sn, Au, Epoxy coating
Sintered Block Custom sizes Vacuum packaging, inert atmosphere
Powder / Granule 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg Airtight, moisture-proof plastic bags or drums

12. 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 8505.11.00.00.00 (Permanent magnets)

13. 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

14. OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

Name Description
NdFeB Common abbreviation
Neodymium Magnet Alternative name
Super Magnet Commercial name
Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy Descriptive name
Rare Earth Magnet Category name
Magnetic King Common name
Neo Magnet Commercial name

Database Identifiers:

  • CAS: 7440-00-8 (Neodymium metal)

  • HS Code: 8505.11.00.00.00

15. QUICK REFERENCE TABLE

Property Value
Chemical Formula Nd₂Fe₁₄B
Appearance Silver-gray, metallic
Density ~7.5 g/cm³
Melting Point ~1350 °C
Remanent Magnetization (Br) ~1.3 T (13 kGs)
Energy Product (BH)max 200 – 440 kJ/m³
Max. Operating Temperature 80 – 200 °C (grade dependent)
HS Code 8505.11.00.00.00

16. CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

  • 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: 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.

  • Ingestion Hazard: Small magnets pose an ingestion hazard for children; swallowing multiple magnets can cause serious internal injury.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Storage:

    • Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

    • Ensure a dry, moisture-free environment.

    • 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 magnets in humid environments.

    • Be careful of sliding or snapping hazards when separating magnets.

  • 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. NdFeB magnets are the strongest permanent magnets in the world; they require protective coating and proper storage; they must be handled with care due to strong magnetic fields.

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