Short-loop Recycling Of Sintered NdFeB Magnets By Hydrogen Decrepitation

Abstract

NdFeB permanent magnets are essential components for the rising green transition technologies including electric vehicles and wind turbines. These magnets contain critical Rare-Earth Elements involving strong supply risk and high environmental impacts. Their recycling is thus a key factor for a sustainable production.This study focuses on a short-loop recycling route based on the pulverization of end-of-life NdFeB magnets under hydrogen. The particle size distribution of the powders is affected by Hydrogen Decrepitation process conditions and is hereby proven to depend both on hydrogenation temperature and initial composition of the magnets. This study also emphasizes the interest of an appropriate thermal treatment on HD powders to recover their magnetic performances. It paves the way to a potential new recycling route of NdFeB permanent magnets for bonded magnets applications.