The Extraction of Sm from Sm-Co alloys by the Glass Slag Method

Abstract

The use of the glass slag method in the extraction of Sm from Sm–Co alloys was studied. The magnetic SmCo₅ phase decomposed into Sm oxide phase and Co phases by the glass slag method. The Sm oxide phase was extracted by the surrounding molten glass slag materials in the glass slag method. The resultant alloys consisted of neither SmCo₅ phase nor Sm oxide phase. In the glass slag method, the Sm–Co alloys were separated into Sm-containing glass slag material and a Co–B alloy. The glass slag method was suitable for the extraction of samarium from the Sm–Co alloys as was the case for the extraction of neodymium from the Nd–Fe–B alloys.