Bismanol

Bismanol is an alloy of Bismuth, Manganese and Iron developed by the US Naval Ordnance Laboratory. It was used to make permanent magnets for use in small electric motors.^[1]

Bismanol magnets have been replaced by Neodymium magnets which are both cheaper and superior in other ways, Samarium-Cobalt magnets in more critical applications, and Alnico magnets.

Bismuth use in permanent magnets and permanent magnet electric motors

Around 50 years ago, the US Naval Ordnance Laboratory developed the permanent magnetic alloy "Bismanol", which is a Bismuth-Manganese-Iron alloy. Bismanol has very high coercive force and moderate energy density, making it a good choice for small electric motors.

Currently Bismuth isn't used for magnetic alloys.

References