A Novel Approach To The Development Of Multifunctional Insulating Layers For Soft Magnetic Composites

Soft Magnetic Composites (SMC) comprise magnetic grains held together by an insulating layer. The widespread diffusion in the market for such materials, conventionally employed in electrical machines, is currently held back by limitations associated with material properties and processing constraints. These drawbacks are mostly related to the properties of the employed insulating layer. This contribution aims at overcoming such limitations by means of a novel surface approach. The proposed surface modification allows to coat each particle with a nanostructured layer, providing electrical insulation while also conferring additional features such as improved mechanical properties and withstanding higher treatment temperatures. In addition, the use of the proposed technology makes the layer feasible with a wide range of materials. The layer materials can be organic, inorganic or a combination of both. SMCs encompassing the developed innovative multi-functional layers have been prepared and characterized by means of the study of the surface morphology and of the magnetic and mechanical properties.