The first part of the review covers the results of studies of nanocrystalline single-phase hard magnetic materials, mainly on the basis of compounds of rare earth metals produced by super-fast melt quenching with its subsequent crystallization, mechanical alloying and other rapid solidification techniques such as vapor deposition, etc. Specific features of microstructure, magnetic properties, and mechanisms of magnetic hardening of such alloys are considered. The discussion of magnetic properties of nanocomposite magnets focuses on the exchange interaction of hard magnetic phase with nanoparticles of soft magnetic phase known as the spring interaction effect. The process of magnetic reversal of nanocomposite magnets is discussed.
KeywordsCoercive force; hard magnetite alloy; magnetic anisotropy; maximum energy product; nanocomposite material; rare earth compound; residual induction.