Project description
A novel method for permanent magnets
Permanent magnets (PM) are essential components in fast-growing green technologies such as electric mobility. As such, their production is on the rise. Nowadays high-performance PM are based on materials containing a significant amount of cobalt and rare-earth elements (REE). Building on the ERC Starting Grant SPDTuM – which built a new processing route to synthesise permanent magnets – , the ERC-funded REFMAG project aims to apply this route to the MnBi system, a rare-earth free alternative to the currently used NdFeB magnets. The magnets based on MnBi will be especially well-suited for high-temperature applications. The novel MnBi permanent magnets will be characterised by state-of-the-art methods in terms of their microstructure and magnetic properties.
Objective
Permanent magnets are essential components of an enormous amount of consumer and industrial products. Their production rises annually, especially due to their use in fast growing green technologies such as electric mobility. High performance magnets with a large energy product are usually based on the NdFeB material system. The major components are rare-earth elements, which are listed as critical materials. Novel permanent magnets use the concept of magnetic coupling effects. In course of the ERC Starting Grant SPDTuM we have developed a new processing route to synthesize permanent magnets based on this concept. The objective of this ERC PoC Grant is to use this processing route and apply it to the MnBi system, which represent a rare-earth free alternative to the currently used NdFeB magnets. As additional benefit, the magnetic α-MnBi phase exhibits an increasing coercivity with rising temperature. Thus, magnets based on MnBi will be especially well-suited for high temperature applications. We use high-pressure torsion, a severe plastic deformation method, for processing, which has the advantage that the key α-MnBi phase can be directly formed during processing. Coupled to a soft magnetic phase, a high performance permanent magnet with an excellent energy product will be obtained. So far, this type of magnet has only been successfully obtained in limited volumes (thin films, powders). With our processing route it is possible to synthesize magnets in dimensions with about 100000 times larger volume. The novel MnBi permanent magnets will be characterized with state-of-the-art methods in terms of their microstructure and magnetic properties. The up-scaling potential of the developed processes from laboratory to industrial conditions will be further critically evaluated. These activities will be complemented by patent protection to facilitate commercialization and outreach to potential industry partners for the introduction of our novel method and new collaborations.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2022-POC1
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1010 Wien
Austria
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