Magnetic Properties and Microstructure of Melt-Spun Ce–Fe–B Magnets

A series of Ce_xFe_balB₆ (x = 12, 14, 17, 19, and 23 wt%) ternary ribbons was prepared by melt-spinning. Magnetic properties and the microstructure of the Ce-Fe-B ribbons with different Ce contents were investigated. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that multiphase coexisted in the as-spun Ce-Fe-B ribbons, which contained Ce₂Fe₁₇, CeFe₂, Ce-rich phase, Fe-rich phase, cerium oxide, and iron oxide. The magnetic properties, microstructure, and phase composition of the ribbons were directly affected by the cerium content. The magnetic properties could be obtained by exchange coupling between the hard and soft magnetic phases in the pure ternary Ce-Fe-B ribbons. Furthermore, by heat treatment, the magnetic properties of the as-spun Ce-Fe-B ribbons could be optimized. The highest magnetic properties of H_cj = 6.2 kOe, B_r = 6.9 kGs, and (BH)_m = 8.6 MGOe were obtained in Ce₁₇FebalB₆ magnets.