Advanced Magnetic Actuation: Harnessing the Dynamics of Sm₂Fe_17–xCu_xN₃ Composites

Abstract

Recently, there has been an escalating demand for advanced materials with superior magnetic properties, especially in the actuator domain. High coercivity (H ci ), an essential magnetic property, is pivotal for programmable shape changes in magnetic actuators and profoundly affects their performance. In this study, a new Sm 2 Fe 17−x Cu x N 3 magnet with a high H ci was achieved by modifying the temperature of the reduction−diffusion process� lowering it from 900 to 700 °C through the introduction of Cu and finer control over the structure and morphology of the Sm 2 Fe 17−x Cu x N 3 magnetic component within the actuator composite. Consequently, the Sm 2 Fe 17−x Cu x N 3 magnet demonstrated a remarkable H ci of 11.5 kOe, eclipsing the value of 6.9 kOe attained by unalloyed Sm 2 Fe 17 N 3 at reduced temperatures. By capitalizing on the enhanced magnetic properties of the Sm 2 Fe 17−x Cu x N 3 composite and incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) into the elastomer matrix, we successfully fabricated a robust actuator. This innovative approach harnesses the strengths of hard magnets as actuators, offering stability under high-temperature conditions, precision control, longevity, wireless functionality, and energy efficiency, highlighting the vast potential of hard magnets for a range of applications.