MagNEO

Project’s Goals:

The main goal of the MagNEO project is to develop the EU version of REE-free permanent magnets (PM) for new energy and mobility applications.
The concept is based on optimal compositions of novel AlNiCo & HEAs that will be produced by additive manufacturing (AM). Recycling strategies will be developed to allow for environmentally friendly and efficient reuses of dissimilar metals, with focus on Co recovery. The targeted properties of the REE-free PMs are (BH)max ≥55 kJ/m3 with a Co content ≤24% and (BH)max ≥72 kJ/m3 with a Co content ≤35%.
The goal will be realised through the development of strategies using:
1) open-source modelling tools, high-throughput digital and experimental screening, and machine learning to accelerate the development of novel environmentally friendly materials, with compositions suitable for AM, throughout the multicomponent alloy phase space,
2) the advantages of AM, such as shape optimization, microstructural engineering, combined with full heat treatment to process novel anisotropic microstructures with improved coercivity, exhibiting (BH)max >55 kJ/m3.
The performance of the magnets will be confirmed for applications in a) low-speed PM generators in wind turbines and ship propulsion shafts, (b) high speed (>100 m/s) rotors in heat pumps and (c) ABS sensors and headlamp systems in automotive. The upscaling process will be conducted through techno-economic analyses performed by the end-users. This procedure will begin with a proof of concept at TRL3-4 and will culminate with technology validation at TRL6.
MagNEO is a well-balanced consortium of multidisciplinary experts that will contribute to training and joint actions with other European projects and increase the competitiveness and sustainability of European industry by bringing innovative materials and new methods closer to the marked and permitting the establishment of REE-free products in novel areas at acceptable costs.

Project’s Objectives:

MagNEO’s objective is robust and sustainable REE-free permanent magnets (PM) for emergent energy & mobility applications. The concept hinges upon novel compositions of AlNiCo & HEAs undergoing similar spinodal decompositions, processed by additive manufacturing (AM). The recycling strategies developed will allow environmentally friendly repurposing of disparate metallic constituents, with emphasis on Co recovery. The targeted properties of the new PMs are (BH)max ≥60 kJ/m3 for Co ≤24% and (BH)max ≥72 kJ/m^3 for Co≤35%.

MagNEO will be realised through the following strategies: 1) open-source modelling tools, machine learning guided high-throughput digital & experimental screening to accelerate the development of novel environmentally benign materials, with compositions suitable for AM, throughout multicomponent alloy phase spaces, 2) harness the competitive advantages conferred by AM, such as shape complexities and microstructure engineering, in tandem with comprehensive heat treatment. These will be crafting novel anisotropic microstructures characterized by higher coercivity, culminating in (BH)max values exceeding 60 kJ/m^3.

The performance of the new PMs will be verified for a) low-speed PM generators in wind turbines & ship propulsion shafts, (b) high speed (>100 m/s) rotors in heat pumps and (c) ABS sensors & headlight systems in automotive. The upscaling process will be conducted through techno-economic analyses performed by the manufactures in synergy with the end-users. This procedure will begin with a proof of concept at TRL3-4 and will culminate with technology validation at TRL6.
MagNEO stands out as a fusion between accomplished multidisciplinary experts who will contribute to training and joint actions with other European teams to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of European industry by bringing innovative materials and new methods closer to the market, while maintaining cost-effectiveness of REE-free products in consideration.