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Title: Recycling of additively printed rare-earth bonded magnets

Journal Article · · Waste Management

Here, we describe an efficient and environmentally benign method of recycling of additive printed Nd-Fe-B polymer bonded magnets. Rapid pulverization of bonded magnets into composite powder containing Nd-Fe-B particles and polymer binder was achieved by milling at cryogenic temperatures. The recycled bonded magnets fabricated by warm compaction of ground cryomilled coarse composite powders and nylon particles showed improved magnetic properties and density. Remanent magnetization and saturation magnetization increased by 4% and 6.5% respectively, due to enhanced density while coercivity and energy product were retained from the original additive printed bonded magnets. This work presents a facile method that enables the direct reuse of end-of-life bonded magnets for remaking new bonded magnets. In addition to magnetic properties, mechanical properties comparable to commercial products have been achieved. This research advances efforts to ensure sustainability in critical materials by forming close loop supply chain.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Advanced Manufacturing Office (EE-5A)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC05-00OR22725
OSTI ID:
1511946
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1514993
Journal Information:
Waste Management, Journal Name: Waste Management Journal Issue: C Vol. 90; ISSN 0956-053X
Publisher:
International Waste Working GroupCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English