Magnetic Materials; Play an Important Role in the Progress of Industrial Development and Modern Technology

 

Magnetic materials are used mainly for their magnetic properties. Neodymium magnets are rare-earth magnets with the highest magnetic properties. These strong permanent magnetic materials are the most powerful class of magnets commercially available today. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of the magnet. Magnets play an important role in modern technology. They are key components of generators, motors, and transformers. The five types are ferrite, alnico, flexible rubber, and the rare earth magnets neodymium and samarium cobalt.

Ferromagnetism is the basic mechanism by which certain materials form permanent magnets, or are attracted to magnets. Only a few substances are ferromagnetic. The common ones are nickel, cobalt, iron, and most of their alloys, and some compounds of rare earth metals. These type of magnetic materials are used in a wide range of applications such as motors, actuators, sensors, or transformers. Moreover, Ferromagnets are able to reach high magnetization levels when subjected to an external magnetic field of relatively low intensity.

Rapid industrialization demands for alternative power sources, such as water turbine and wind mill, which in turn increases the demand for magnetic materials. Magnetic materials are used in many components of electronics/electrical devices, as well as used to produce and distribute electricity. The mission of the United States Magnetic Materials Association is to promote secure, reliable production of the entire supply chain of rare earths and other materials used in the magnet production to serve U.S. defense and energy needs.

Moreover, magnetic materials are widely used in games consoles, televisions, PCs, CD players, and loudspeakers. Large magnets are used in industry to lift heavy loads, while magnetic strips are used to label drugs and foods on shelving. In airports, docks and, construction sites, magnets are used to pick scrap or waste that could potentially puncture tires or endanger traffic. Thus, there is a high demand for magnetic materials around the world for various applications.