Boosting Domestic Production of Neodymium and Rare Earth Magnets
Context:
Recently, Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has approved funding for M/s Midwest Advanced Materials Private Limited (MAM) in Hyderabad to enhance domestic production of critical materials and technologies.
Relevance
GS-03 (Science and technology)
Key highlights:
- The project is focused on advancing the commercial manufacturing of Neodymium materials and Rare Earth Permanent Magnets, crucial for e-mobility applications.
- It aims to create an integrated production module for Rare Earth (RE) magnets starting from oxides. It utilizes a modified Metal Extraction method through Molten Salt Electrolysis (MSE) technology, incorporating an eco-friendly electrolysis process with proprietary cell designs.
Neodymium Magnets:
- Invention and Composition: Invented in 1980 by General Motors and Sumitomo Special Metals, neodymium magnets are composed of neodymium, iron, boron, and a few transition metals. These are known as NdFeB or Neo magnets.
- Properties: Despite their high strength, neodymium magnets are lightweight. They are highly susceptible to corrosion, which makes surface treatment necessary.
- Types of Neodymium Magnets:
- Sintered NdFeB Magnets: Made by melting raw materials, casting into molds, cooling, pulverizing into powder, sintering into blocks, heat-treating, and surface treating to prevent corrosion.
- Bonded NdFeB Magnets: Made by melting and spinning a thin ribbon of NdFeB alloy, pulverizing it into particles, mixing with a polymer, and molding into shape.
- Technological Importance: Neodymium magnets are pivotal in current technological advancements due to their high strength and light weight.
- Manufacturing Process:
- Sintered Magnets: Involve melting, casting, cooling, pulverizing, sintering, heat-treating, and surface treatment.
- Bonded Magnets: Involve melting, spinning, pulverizing, mixing with a polymer, and molding.
Applications of Neodymium Magnets:
- Hard Disk Drives: Used in magnetic cells for data storage.
- Audio Devices: Utilized in loudspeakers, microphones, and headphones for converting electricity to mechanical energy.
- Medical Uses: Employed in dentures and MRI scanners.
- Safety and Security: Used in door catches and anti-lock brake sensors in vehicles.
- Jewelry and Displays: Applied in magnetic jewelry and point-of-sale advertising displays.
- E-vehicles: They are also essential for electric vehicle propulsion systems and generators in renewable energy infrastructure.
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