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R&D | Dr. Jung-Goo Lee of KIMS, was selected as 'National Top 100 R&D Performances'

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Date22-11-23 13:55 Hit245

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Dr. Jung-Goo Lee of KIMS, was selected as

The problem of scarce resources, breaking through head-on with cheap materials!


The research result of the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS), a government-funded research institute under the Ministry of Science and ICT, was selected as one of the 'National Top 100 R&D performances in 2022'. The selected technology is High-performance Nd(neodymium)-saving permanent magnet material technology' by Dr. Jung-Goo Lee of the Department of Magnetic Materials at the Powder Materials Division.



This is a rare earth-saving type of permanent magnet material technology that can realize the performance at a level of the commercial magnet (42M grade) even though the usage of neodymium (Nd), an expensive rare earth, is reduced by about 30%. Neodymium (Nd) is expensive and very unstable in supply and demand, but it is essential for realizing the high performance in rare earth permanent magnets. To realize the Nd-saving technology, the content of Neodymium (Nd) should be reduced by replacing it with inexpensive Cerium (Ce). However, until now, it has not been possible to prevent the deterioration of the magnetic properties of the magnet as the Cerium (Ce) content increases. Using the technology developed by Dr. Lee, it is possible to solve this problem through atomic-scale microstructure control.



The research team found that unnecessary Ce-segregated non-magnetic particles are formed in the Nd-saving permanent magnet manufactured in the existing process and it was found that the formation of those non-magnetic particles is the main factor for the deterioration of the microstructure and magnetic properties of the magnets. Therefore, the Melt-spinning method and the Hot-deformation method, which can be processed at a very fast cooling rate instead of the existing process, were applied to the rare earth reduction precursor and the final permanent magnet manufacturing, respectively. As a result, the research team succeeded in optimizing the microstructure of the magnet by suppressing the formation of unnecessary non-magnetic particles in the magnets.



Dr. Jung-Goo Lee, a leading principal researcher at the KIMS, said, "It is meaningful that research achievements that simultaneously solved the resource problems and material, parts, and equipment issues of the domestic rare earth permanent magnet material field were recognized. He also said, "We will continue to do our best to lead the development of the domestic rare earth permanent magnet industry.



The National Top 100 R&D Performances is a system in which the government selects national R&D excellent achievements to enhance the public's understanding and interest in the role of science and technology that has driven national development and inspired the pride of scientists and engineers. It has been selected and announced every year since 2006.




Dr. Jung-Goo Lee of KIMS, was selected as