Abstract
A modified reduction-diffusion (MRD) process at low temperature was performed on the microstructure and magnetic property of a base alloy nanopowder of Sm2Fe17 for high performance Sm2Fe17N3 magnetic materials. The Sm2Fe17 nanopowder with a particle size distribution of 100–500 nm was synthesized by MRD process at 700°C. The measurement of magnetic property revealed that the Sm2Fe17 nanopowders had a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 128 A·m2/kg and a high coercivity (Hc) of 91.8 kA/m. It is expected that the magnetic property of Sm2Fe17 nanopowder provides a superior base alloy material for fabricating high performance Sm2Fe17N3 magnetic materials by subsequent nitriding treatment.