Introduction

The technology deals with the surface modification of the metal powder used for the production of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMCs) or permeant magnets (PMs). The aim is to coat each single particle with a nanostructured coating capable of providing electrical insulation while also conferring additional features (improved mechanical properties higher treatment temperature lubrication, corrosion resistance).

Technical features

SMC materials, in which each grain of magnetic powder is electrically isolated from the others, are currently used to manufacture components of electrical machines (motors and generators). A key problem is the mechanical properties, which are, among other things, inversely proportional to the magnetic ones, which hinders the obtaining of mature products for mass marketing. By carefully selecting the constituent materials, it is possible to obtain a nanostructured covering layer capable of: electrically isolating each individual particle, drastically reducing losses and improving overall performance; optimize the mechanical properties of the final composite and allow better workability and longer life of the materials; allow a final heat treatment of the SMCs at a higher temperature, with benefits on the recovery of magnetic properties and a further increase in overall efficiency; confer advanced characteristics, such as lubrication and corrosion resistance.

Our technology aims to obtain more performing and specially optimized SMC materials for each specific application.

Possible Applications

• Automotive;
• Household appliances;
• HF devices and components;
• Auxiliary devices;
• Aerospace applications.

Advantages

• Thinner, uniform, customisable, multifunctional layers;
• Raise in the treatment temperature (magnetic, mechanical benefits);
• Better electrical insulation with the same layer mass (magnetic benefits).