Variations of phase constitution and magnetic properties with Ce content in Ce-Fe-B permanent magnets

Magnetic materials of Ce12+xFe82-xB6 (x=0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3) containing mainly Ce2Fe14B phase were prepared by melt spinning method. The coercivity is the lowest in Ce12Fe81B6 ribbons. With the increase of Ce content, the coercivity increases monotonically, and X-ray techniques show that the amount of minor phase Fe3B decreases but the amount of CeFe2 increases. Magnetization reversal and magnetic properties are dependent on the amount of minor phases. The squareness of hysteresis loop is the best in Ce13.5Fe80.5B6 ribbons with energy product of 6.80 MGOe. Optimizing the phase constitution is necessary to improve magnetic properties in Ce-based alloys for utilizing the rare earth resource in a balanced manner. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.