Abstract
A non-coercive cast Nd-Fe-B-type material can be easily converted into a coercive one by employing HDDR process. Applying the conventional HDDR process to the Nd-Fe-B-type material generally leads to a powder-like material. HDDR treated material in a solid form can, however, be realised if the process is properly modified (solid-HDDR). In the present study, the change of rigidity (compressive strength) of the Nd-Fe-B-type material during the solid-HDDR has been investigated using a homogeneous sintered magnet with composition $Nd_{13.8}Dy_{0.7}Fe_{78.25}Si_{0.15}Mn_{0.6}B_{6.5}.$ It has been found that the low strength of the hydrided material was improved by the subsequent disproportionation. The restoration of the strength was explained by the eutectoid-like disproportionation structure containing fine neodymium hydride rod embedded in tough iron matrix. The high strength of disproportionated material was reduced radically in earlier stage of recombination, and this wes explained by the reduction of the disproportionated phase. The reduced strength was, however, recovered by further recombination, and this was explained by the fact that as the recombination continues the recombined grains adhere together. The optimally HDDR processed material has a comparable or even higher strength with respect to the initial sintered material prior to the solid-HDDR. The present study suggested that the rigidity of Nd-Fe-B-type material could be retained even after the solid-HDDR.
