Ferrite substitution could reduce rare-earth magnet demand
Study suggests rare-earth-free magnets could ease European supply pressures.
Substituting rare earth-based permanent magnets with ferrites in certain transport and industrial applications could reduce demand for rare-earth magnets by around 40% over 10 years, according to researchers from the University of L’Aquila, Italy.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering examines end-of-life permanent magnet recycling alongside potential replacement of neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets with ferrites. NdFeB magnets are widely used because of their high magnetic performance. However, as demand rises in line with increasing electrification, so do raw material supply risks. Ferrites could offer a lower-cost alternative.
The researchers combined a review of existing scientific literature with patent analysis to assess innovation in recycling technologies. They identified multiple experimental approaches for rare-earth extraction from NdFeB magnets, but concluded that ferrite recycling remains limited despite increasing interest.
Using material flow analysis, the study estimates that substitution in products including electric cars, bicycles, motorbikes and scooters, as well as pump drives, could save around 3,400t of rare-earth magnets – equivalent to around 20% of European demand.
Based on the estimates, rare-earth-free magnets could support recyclability and reduce dependence on raw materials outside of the EU.
