Improving the interfacial structure of nanocomposite magnets on an atomic scale

We succeeded in improving the interfacial structure of α-Fe/Nd 2 Fe 14 B type nanocomposite magnets on an atomic scale using an intergranular amorphous phase. An enrichment of Fe atoms surrounding vacancy-type interfacial free volumes in the magnets is experimentally evidenced by positron lifetime measurements combined with a coincident Doppler broadening measurement of the positron–electron annihilation photons, whereas the interfacial free volumes in the common nanocomposite magnets are dominantly surrounded by non-magnetic Nd atoms. This study provides an experimental approach to enhance magnetic coupling between the hard and soft phases and thus is of considerable interest for the development of nanocomposite magnets.