SmFe12-based compounds are a potential candidate for replacing Nd-Fe-B-based high-performance magnets due to their lower critical element content and superior intrinsic magnetic properties. However, these advantageous intrinsic properties have not yet translated into enhanced extrinsic magnetic performance, primarily due to challenges in achieving an optimal microstructure. Phase diagrams are essential for guiding the development of such microstructures, which strongly influence extrinsic properties.

In this project, the effect of annealing temperature on phase formation will be investigated. The existing Sm-Fe-V phase diagram at 1100 °C (Fig. 1) will be extended to cover the 800-1200 °C range. The resulting experimental data will be used to train an active learning model that autonomously selects the most informative subsequent experiments, thereby accelerating the discovery of rare-earth-lean permanent magnets.

Expertise to be gained:

• Learning about scientific literature search and writing
• Sample preparation → arc melting, induction melting
• Structural analysis → X-ray powder diffraction (XRD)
• Microstructure analysis → Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Magnetic characterization → PPMS magnetometer
• Data-driven modeling: Incorporate your results into our ensemble active-learning framework.

Opportunities: Top contributors can extend the work by adding new alloying elements, developing novel active-learning strategies, and pursuing a research thesis with paper co-authorship.