Recycling of Rare Earth Magnets

Richard Sheridan, Allan Walton, John Speight, Vicky Mann, Ivor Harris, Alexander Campbell, B Guerrero, C Bagan, A Conesa, V Schaller

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 23rd International Workshop on Rare Earth Permanent Magnets and their Applications
Place of PublicationAnnapolis, USA
Pages26-30
Number of pages5
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Recycling of Rare Earth Magnets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this