When were neodymium magnets discovered?

Neodymium magnets are permanent magnets with many uses in industry and everyday life. They can be found in cars, wind turbines and MRI scanners. But when were these powerful magnets first discovered? This article will explore the history of neodymium magnets and how they have evolved. We will uncover the story behind this incredible invention.

When were neodymium magnets discovered?

Neodymium magnets, also known as NdFeB magnets. Masato Sagawa of Sumitomo Special Metals discovered it in 1982. The magnetic energy product (BHmax) of this magnet is greater than that of the samarium cobalt magnet, and it is the material with the largest magnetic energy product in the world at that time. Later, Sumitomo Special Metals successfully developed the powder metallurgy process, and General Motors successfully developed the melt-spinning process, which made it possible to produce NdFeB magnets. This magnet is the most magnetic permanent magnet available today and the most commonly used rare earth magnet.

Who invented neodymium magnets?

Neodymium magnets were discovered by Masato Sagawa of Sumitomo Special Metals in 1982.

How were neodymium magnets discovered?

Masato Sagawa, an expert in Sm2Co17 structure, believed that mixing tiny atoms such as C and B into Sm2Fe17 would widen the distance between Fe-Fe. This idea is common sense in metallography. Although the strong magnetism of NdFeB is not due to the distance between Fe-Fe, because of the electronic state of Fe being similar to Co due to the participation of B, the explanation is not essential at this time. Masato Sagawa immediately started researching and discovered the Nd-Fe-B formula in less than a year. 

However, the research on magnets in electronic computer companies was neglected, so Masato Sagawa joined Sumitomo Special Metals after resigning from Fujitsu. Masato Sagawa’s team took around three years to complete the invention of neodymium magnets. Although Nd15-Fe77-B8 had good magnetic properties, the temperature characteristics were poor. Demagnetization occurred when slight heat was generated, making it unsuitable for industrial use. Fortunately, Sagawa Masato’s team discovered that doping some Dy elements could improve the temperature characteristics of NdFeB magnets.

How was neodymium discovered?

The Austrian scientist Carl Auer von Welsbach identified the two elements as neodymium and praseodymium in 1885 by identifying a mixture of elements in didymium. In 1925, Kramers isolated a pure metal neodymium.

Where is neodymium naturally found?

Neodymium is mainly found in monazite and bastnaesite in Brazil, China, the United States, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. There are various extraction methods, among which ion exchange and solvent extraction methods are the main. Reserves of this element are estimated at 8 million tons, and its global production is about 7,000 tons per year.

How much neodymium is left in the world?

Reserves of this element are estimated at about 8 million tons, and its global production is about 7,000 tons per year.

In conclusion

General Motors and Sumitomo Special Metals discovered neodymium magnets in 1982. This discovery revolutionized the magnet industry, and today neodymium magnets are used in various industries. Their exceptional strength makes them a popular choice for multiple applications. We hope you enjoyed reading about the history of neodymium magnets in this article.