The ternary system Fe-Nd-C

The phase equilibria in the ternary system Fe-Nd-C were established by meta llography, X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis and an descr ibed with the help of a liquidus projection, an isothermal section at 850 d egreesC, two vertical sections, and a reaction scheme. The formation of the magnetically hard phase Fe14Nd2C in cast alloys is accompanied by Nd-rich carbides that cause severe corrosion. The equilibria involving Fe14Nd2C are extremely slow to set in, but they can be accelerated substantially by add ing small amounts of baron and copper. Doping with copper provides the adde d benefit of eliminating the corrosive carbides.