From a magnetic property standpoint, x is 0≤x≤0.3, preferably 0.11≤x≤0.22, y is 0≤y≤2.5, and z is 0≤z≤2.5.

Composite Materials

Composite materials and bonded magnets are described below.

The anisotropic magnetic powder described above may be used with a resin to prepare a composite material. Due to the presence of the anisotropic magnetic powder, the composite material provides high magnetic properties.

The resin contained in the composite material may be a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin, but it is preferably a thermoplastic resin. Specific examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyphenylene sulfide resins (PPS), polyether ether ketones (PEEK), liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyamides (PA), polypropylenes (PP), and polyethylenes (PE).

In the preparation of the composite material, the weight ratio of the resin to the anisotropic magnetic powder (resin/magnetic powder) is preferably 0.10 to 0.15, more preferably 0.11 to 0.14.

The composite material may be prepared, for example, by mixing the anisotropic magnetic powder with the resin at 280 to 330° C. using a kneading machine.

Bonded Magnets

The composite material may be used to produce a bonded magnet. Specifically, for example, the bonded magnet may be produced by heat treating the composite material in an orientation field to align the easy axes of magnetization (orientation step), followed by pulse magnetization in a magnetizing field (magnetization step).