High Technology Applications of Barium and Strontium Ferrite Magnets

Abstract

Ceramic magnets as barium ferrite or strontium ferrite have many applications in high technology. One of the reasons is the low cost when compared to competitor materials, as Alnico, MnBi, MnAl or NdFeB. In this study, the advantages and disadvantages of Ba and Sr ferrite magnets are discussed. One clear advantage is that ferrites are already oxides, and do not present the corrosion problems typical of NdFeB and other metallic alloys. As ferrites are oxides, the processing is much easier and cheaper. For example sintering can be done at air, and milling under wet condition. One of the main conclusions is the excellent ratio cost/benefit of ferrites, giving advantage in many applications. Special attention is given for application of ferrites in high efficiency motors.