LAUSR

Abstract The starting alloy has a strong influence on the processing and the magnetic properties of the sintered magnets. Aiming at the preparation of the high-performance low-cost (Nd, Ce)–Fe–B magnets, the phase constitution and microstructure of Ce–Fe–B alloy are systematically investigated in this work. The results showed that Ce2Fe14B phase coexists with CeFe2 phase in the Ce–Fe–B alloy. A fairly high proportion of 2:14:1 phase (～93.1%) and column crystals structure which is similar to that of Nd-Fe-B alloy could be obtained by regulating the composition of Ce–Fe–B alloy. Owing to the structure optimization of Ce–Fe–B alloy, the sintered magnet which possessed a microstructure of fine grains together with smooth and continuous grain boundaries could maintain the superior magnetic properties of Br = 13.1 kGs, Hcj = 7.79 kOe and (BH)max = 40.49 MGOe by the mixture of (Pr, Nd)12.75Fe80.25M1.0B6.0 and Ce17FebalM2.0B6.0 (M = Al, Cu, Ga, Nb in at.%). This work thus provides useful guideline for the preparation of Ce-doped hard magnets.