Samariumkobaltas

Samariumkobaltas is a type of rare-earth magnet composed of an alloy of samarium and cobalt. These magnets are known for their strong magnetic properties and high resistance to demagnetization, particularly at elevated temperatures. They belong to the family of permanent magnets, meaning they retain their magnetism after being magnetized.

The magnetic properties of samarium-cobalt magnets arise from the strong spin-orbit coupling of the samarium ions. There are two main types of samarium-cobalt magnets, SmCo5 and Sm2Co17, which differ in their atomic structure and magnetic characteristics. SmCo5 magnets have a simple 1:5 stoichiometry, while Sm2Co17 magnets have a more complex 2:17 ratio and generally offer higher magnetic energy products.

Samarium-cobalt magnets are manufactured through a powder metallurgy process involving sintering. They are brittle and susceptible to corrosion, so they are often coated with protective materials like nickel or plastic. Due to their excellent performance in high-temperature environments and their resistance to demagnetization, they find applications in various industries. These include aerospace, medical devices, electric motors, loudspeakers, and magnetic couplings. Their cost is generally higher compared to neodymium magnets, which influences their selection for specific demanding applications where their superior thermal stability and coercive force are essential.