Graduate Student Seminar
February 23, 2024
10:00 a.m. ET
Doherty Hall 2210
Iron Nitride: a Non-Rare-Earth Containing Permanent Magnet
Niron Magnetics, Inc. is commercializing Iron Nitride, a high performance, completely rare earth free permanent magnet technology. Iron Nitride will act as an economical substitute for several grades of both sintered and bonded NdFeB magnets. Niron’s Iron Nitride technology is based on progress achieved by the University of Minnesota under work supported by the Department of Energy’s Rare Earth Alternatives in Critical Technologies ARPA-E REACT program. These magnets are based on the α”-Fe16N2 compound which has high saturation magnetization and a moderate magnetocrystalline anisotropy due to a tetragonal crystal structure. Iron Nitride is manufactured from low-cost, non-critical elemental components. The unique characteristics of Iron Nitride include a magnetic strength higher than most grades of NdFeB permanent magnets. Test data also indicates that iron nitride exhibits superior temperature stability when compared to NdFeB. Niron’s magnets are positioned to substitute for NdFeB in applications such as motors with high torque output.
Frank Johnson - CTO, Niron Magnetics
Frank Johnson joined Niron Magnetics, Inc. in March 2018. Prior to Niron, he worked for 13 years at GE Global Research in Niskayuna, NY as a Materials Scientist in the Ceramics and Metallurgy Technologies organization. Dr. Johnson’s work has focused on developing magnetic materials used in power generation, distribution, and conversion technologies. He earned a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, an M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from M.I.T., and a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
Upcoming Events
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February 13 2026
10:00 AM ET
Materials Science and Engineering
Interfacial Fracture in Soft Polymer Networks: Revisiting Gent's Picture, presented by Gabriel Sanoja Lopez, University of Texas, Austin
CUC McConomy Auditorium
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February 20 2026
10:00 AM ET
Materials Science and Engineering
High-Fidelity Atomistic Simulations of Chemistry-Microstructure Interactions in Metals, presented by Rodrigo Freitas, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
CUC McConomy Auditorium
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February 25 2026
2:00 PM ET
Faculty Insights with Mario Berges
Please join us for CMU Engineering's virtual program, “Faculty Insights: A 20 Minute Briefing.” In this series, faculty will share insights into their research, its impact, and provide perspective for the future of the field.
Virtual, link provided to registrants
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February 27 2026
10:00 AM ET
Materials Science and Engineering
presented by Tim Weihs, Johns Hopkins university
CUC McConomy Auditorium
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March 13 2026
10:00 AM ET
Materials Science and Engineering
presented by Rachel Goldman, University of Michigan
CUC McConomy Auditorium
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March 20 2026
10:00 AM ET
Materials Science and Engineering
Accelerating Battery Materials Discovery with AI- and Physics-Powered Molecular Universe Platform, presented by Yumin Zhang, SES AI
CUC McConomy Auditorium