Production of Soft Magnetic Composites Using Cold Sintering Technique for Metals

Soft magnetic compositesSoft magnetic composite are a necessary component to produce efficient electric vehicles. However, the relationship between structure and material properties results in a nearly inevitable trade-off between efficiency and strength. The work presented here investigates a means of directly addressing improvement in both strength and magnetic properties by use of cold sinteringCold sintering technique. The technique utilizes surface modificationModification of individual particles which are warm compacted to improve strength and provide the necessary insulating properties to attain the characteristic soft magnetic properties required for use in electric motors. Materials are investigated using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, 3-point bending tests, 4-point probe tests, permeability measurement, and AC and DC magnetic testing. These characterization methods are used to qualitatively and quantitatively inspect the applicability of the material as a soft magnetic compositeSoft magnetic composite. Finally, this study contributes to understanding how to improve strength at relatively low temperature via cold sinteringCold sintering method.