Aluminum-assisted dispersion of magnetic powders for particle size characterization

Qingjun Zheng, Tongguang Zhai, Michael P. Effgen, Jeff Whillhite

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new dispersion technique was developed to disperse magnetic powders for quantitative characterization of their particle sizes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this technique, the magnetic particles/powders were dispersed effectively by non-magnetic aluminum powders, cold pressed, polished, and finally analyzed with SEM, combined with an image analysis software. It has been a challenge to disperse the magnetic powders for quantitative characterization of their particle size distribution due to the particle agglomeration resulting from their intrinsic magnetic attractions. By means of the aluminum assisted dispersion technique developed in this work and SEM, SmCo5 magnetic powders were characterized quantitatively regarding their particle size distribution. The SmCo5 magnet particles were distinguished in aluminum matrix in SEM backscattered images due to the z-contrast caused by the difference in atomic number between aluminum and SmCo5 alloy. With the method, two SmCo powder preparation techniques, ball milling and jet milling, were also evaluated.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)245-250
Number of pages6
JournalMaterials Science & Engineering A: Structural Materials: Properties, Microstructure and Processing
Volume435-436
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 5 2006

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The financial support by Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation (award no. 148-502-03-74) is acknowledged.

Keywords

  • Aluminum assisted dispersion
  • Dispersion
  • Permanent magnetic powders
  • SEM characterization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science (all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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