Production and Properties of Composite Material Comprising Gd Multiscale Particles

Abstract

Abstract The article presents a novel method of producing Gd particles and preserving them from oxidation. The particles were produced in liquid paraffin by means of AC electric discharge and stored in the solidified paraffin. After seven months, the surface of the Gd was found to be exempt of oxidation. Moreover a composite material formed from mixing paraffin with Gd particles was conductive and magnetic and also presented photovoltaic effect. This method is a promising means of producing, at an industrial scale, particles from materials extremely sensitive to environment such as rare earth materials. Also the new material consisted of Gd particles in a paraffin matrix can find applications in many branches of industry.