The development of processing methods for the preparation of three electronic materials with rare earth components is discussed. The resulting processing innovations are the results of a search for an economically competitive pilot scale or industrial production flowsheet without compromising the required properties of the final products. The three cases highlighted in this presentation are: 1) The preparation of high energy (Pr-Nd-Ce)FeB magnets for Mid application from a mixed-rare-earth oxide with a narrow range of composition directly prepared from the solvent extraction circuit of bastnaesite ore. 2) The kg production of the giant magnetocaloric effect Gd_5(Si_xGe_(1-x))_4 magnetic refrigerant materials from commercial grade gadolinium metal (95 to 98 at. percent pure) instead of high purity gadolinium metal (99.8 at. percent); and 3) An industrial chemical synthesis flowsheet for the production of the superconductor precursor of YBa_2Cu_3O_7.
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