Plasma sprayed Fe76Nd16B8 permanent magnets

Thin coatings (0.16 mm) and thick coatings (0.50 mm) of Fe76Nd16B8 were deposited on stainless-steel substrates by low pressure plasma spraying. Microscopic examination of the coatings in a light microscope revealed excessive porosity, but good bonding to the substrate. Fracture cross sections examined in a scanning electron microscope showed the grains to be equiaxed and approximately 1 μm or less in diameter in the as-sprayed condition. The intrinsic coercivities of the as-sprayed coatings varied from 5.8 to 10.9 kOe. The effects of post-spray heat treatments on the intrinsic coercivity are also given.