Addition of 2.0wt% or 0.3wt%Sn proved to be very effective in improving the permanent magnetic properties of NdFeNbB magnets. additions result in the increase in the Hci and temperature dependence due to formation of (NdDy)-rich phase and grain refinement of phase. This improvement of the coercivity stability of the magnets from the addition of Sn is attributed to the smoothing effect of the Sn addition at the grain boundaries. The magnetic properties, the temperature dependence and Curie temperature of NdFeNbB with and Sn combined addition were found to be considerably improved

The mechanical properties of ferrous powder metallurgy (P/M) materials are directly related to their microstructure. Ferrous P/M materials with sufficient hardenability will develop microstructures containing significant percentages of martensite in the as-sintered condition. Recently, sinter-hardening has developed into a highly cost effective production method through hardened P/M parts without the need for additional heat-treatments. This paper reviews the advances of sinter-hardening as well as some key processing parameters such as sintering temperature, cooling rate, tempering required to produce high quality sinter-hardened components. Specific topics including effect of alloying elements, alloying methods, and the Characterization and observation of microstructure are discussed.