Abstract
In recent years there has been significant price volatility for rare earth metals, due in part to supply restrictions from China, the predominant supplier. In particular, this has had a very significant impact on the market for neodymium iron boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets. To increase the availability of these magnets, one of the possible solutions would be to recycle the existing stock contained in electrical equipment. However there are major challenges for recycling and the barriers differ significantly across a wide range of applications. This paper highlights some of the challenges, which are faced for a range of these applications, in order to recycle these magnets. The individual steps required for recycling are discussed including: identification, detection, separation, purification and re-processing. The options for re-processing are addressed, including re-sintering, HDDR processing, re-melting or by separating the rare earth fraction from the magnets.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 23rd International Workshop on Rare Earth Permanent Magnets and their Applications |
Place of Publication | Annapolis, USA |
Pages | 26-30 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2014 |