Highlights
- Fe₁₆N₂ has high saturation magnetization (2.39 T) but insufficient coercivity to rival current rare earth magnets.
- Commercialization remains challenging due to manufacturing limitations and the low thermal stability of the material.
- Niche applications are possible, but it is premature to claim it will displace rare earth magnets in high-performance sectors.
In a rare moment of clarity amid a sea of hype, subject matter experts Imants Dirba (TU Darmstadt) & John Ormerod (JOC LLC), writing for MagNews 2025 #2, deliver a much-needed reality check on the much-discussed iron nitride magnet phase α″-Fe₁₆N₂—a material that some outlets and startups have hailed as a potential rare earth killer. The piece, authored by two respected materials scientists, breaks down the chemistry, magnetism, and manufacturing challenges surrounding Fe₁₆N₂ with precision, and Rare Earth Exchanges™ commends the editorial rigor.
What’s Accurate
The authors correctly remind readers that coercivity—not just magnetization—determines a permanent magnet’s usefulness. Although Fe₁₆N₂ has a high saturation magnetization (2.39 T), its coercivity remains too low (~2.5–3.3 kOe) to rival NdFeB magnets, which boast coercivities over 10 kOe. The authors back this with lab data, well-cited materials physics, and a sound comparison of the theoretical anisotropy field vs. actual performance.
Debunking Misleading Claims
claims that Fe₁₆N₂ “rivals or exceeds” today’s leading magnets are shown to be misleading, often based solely on saturation magnetization while ignoring coercivity or thermal stability. The article critiques such spin with an even hand, noting Fe₁₆N₂ decomposes below 200°C—unsuitable for high-temp applications unless novel stabilization strategies emerge.
Manufacturing Reality Check
Commercialization of FeN magnets is still in its infancy. The article explains that bulk production methods rely on nanoparticle consolidation, which sacrifices magnetic anisotropy and limits density, thus reducing practical remanence. Niron Magnetics is identified as a leading commercial actor, but it remains opaque in terms of publicly shared performance data, further complicating the picture for investors and policymakers.
REEx Verdict
This is not misinformation, but it is a warning against speculative exuberance. Fe₁₆N₂ may eventually find niche applications (perhaps in bonded or polymer magnets), but to suggest it will displace REEs in EVs, defense, or AI motors is premature. Its Probability of Commercial Success (Pcs) remains below the mass-market threshold, according to comparative metrics shown in the report.
Stick with a critical eye. Fe₁₆N₂ might one day fill part of the magnetics gap—but today, NdFeB remains the heavyweight.
Source: MagNews 2025 #2 | Authors: Imants Dirba (TU Darmstadt) & John Ormerod (JOC LLC)
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