Robert J Hofer

US Patent:

56908890, Nov 25, 1997

Filed:

Feb 15, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/605324

Inventors:

R. William McCallum - Ames IA
Timothy W. Ellis - Ames IA
Kevin W. Dennis - Ames IA
Robert J. Hofer - Ames IA
Daniel J. Branagan - Ames IA

Assignee:

Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc. - Ames IA

International Classification:

C22C 3800

US Classification:

420 83

Abstract:

A method of making a rare earth compound, such as a earth-transition metal permanent magnet compound, without the need for producing rare earth metal as a process step, comprises carbothermically reacting a rare earth oxide to form a rare earth carbide and heating the rare earth carbide, a compound-forming reactant (e. g. a transition metal and optional boron), and a carbide-forming element (e. g. a refractory metal) that forms a carbide that is more thermodynamically favorable than the rare earth carbide whereby the rare earth compound (e. g. Nd. sub. 2 Fe. sub. 14 B or LaNi. sub. 5) and a carbide of the carbide-forming element are formed.