Formation and Characterization of Mg-Cu-Gd-Nd Bulk Metallic Glass Using NdFeB Magnet Scrap

In the present study, new Mg-based bulk metallic glasses have been developed in a Mg-Cu-Gd-Nd based system using a Mg-Nd byproduct obtained from the recycling process of NdFeB magnet scrap through liquid metal extraction. The Mg-Cu-Gd-Nd bulk metallic glasses with a diameter of 2 mm are fabricated by injection casting using Mg-Nd byproduct. The compressive fracture strength and total strain are 850 MPa and 1.8%, respectively, for the Mg66.5-xCu28.5GdxNd5 (x=8, 10 at%) bulk metallic glasses. The activation energy of the Mg56.5Cu28.5Gd10Nd5 bulk metallic glass using Mg-Nd byproduct is similar to that of conventional Mg56.5Cu28.5Gd10Nd5 bulk metallic glass using pure elements, indicating that the thermal stability in the supercooled liquid region is similar. From the results, the recycling process for NdFeB magnet scrap can be considered a cost effective method for the formation of Mg-based bulk metallic glasses. It can therefore be concluded that the newly developed Mg-Cu-Gd-Nd bulk metallic glasses using Mg-Nd byproduct obtained from the recycling process of NdFeB magnet scrap have potential for industrial application.