Anisotropic Sm2Co17 nano-flakes produced by surfactant and magnetic field assisted high energy ball milling

Anisotropic Sm2Co17 flakes with high aspect ratio were prepared by magnetic field assisted high energy ball milling in the presence of heptane and oleic acid (OA). The thickness of flakes was only tens of nanometers. Coercivity of 3 kOe was achieved in the nano-flakes. Most interestingly, the magnetic crystalline anisotropy of Sm2Co17 flakes was improved compared to that of particles made by traditional ball milling. These anisotropic Sm2Co17 nano-flakes could be the building blocks for the future high-performance nano-composite permanent magnets with an enhanced energy product.