The magnetic properties of (La,Ce)Co₅ ((La,Ce)=La_0.35Ce_0.65, La-Ce mischmetal) nanoflakes prepared by surfactant-assisted ball milling

The hard magnetic (La,Ce)Co₅ nanoflakes with high coercivity and narrow thickness distribution have been successfully obtained by surfactant-assisted ball milling (SABM). The magnetic properties, morphology and interaction of (La,Ce)Co₅ nanoflakes are studied in this work. The coercivity and remanence ratio of (La,Ce)Co₅ nanoflakes are 5.48 kOe and 0.71, respectively. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate that the (La,Ce)Co₅ nanoflakes are CaCu₅-type hexagonal crystal structure. The average thickness and aspect ratio are 47 nm and 40, respectively. The intergrain interaction of the (La,Ce)Co₅ nanoflakes is studied using the δm(H)-curves technique which shows the magnetostatic-dominated particle interaction. The high coercivity and narrow thickness distribution of (La,Ce)Co₅ nanoflakes could be promising for the future development of the high performance soft/hard exchange spring magnets.