The goal of the research project is to optimize the separation of rare earth metal elements found in Series 2:17 samarium-cobalt magnets. Series 2:17 samarium-cobalt magnets are constructed from two atoms of samarium and from 13-17 atoms of transition metals, most of them being cobalt atoms.  The scrap magnet material that is being tested has been supplied by Electron Energy Corporation. Solvent extraction will be implemented to remove the rare earth metals from the magnets. This experiment involves varying the pH of the aqueous layer, the type of organic extractant in the hydrocarbon diluent, and the volumes and concentrations of the metal ions in the aqueous layer to determine the optimum conditions for separating and purifying the rare earth metal. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, the optimal separation factor for samarium and cobalt ions for each extractant will be determined.

Optimizing the solvent extraction separation of samarium from cobalt in Series 2:17 SmCo magnets

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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