Effect of Grain Size on the Coercivity of Sintered NdFeB Magnets

Abstract

Sintered NdFeB magnets typically exhibit grain size above 2 micrometers, a value above the single domain particle size (~0.3 micrometers). It is discussed how to obtain relationships between grain size and coercivity with energy balance models, considering formation and annihilation of domain walls as a dissipative process. In the case of nanocrystaline magnets, the Stoner-Wohlfarth model is very suitable. For larger grain sizes, the contribution of the magnetostatic energy of each grain has to be considered. From the concept of meta-stability of domains and domain walls structure, a relation between coercive field and grain size can be estimated.