Magnetic properties of Dy ₂ Fe _{17- x} Cr _x and Er ₂ Fe _{17- x} Cr _x ( x = 0-3) compounds

Abstract

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of R2Fe17-xCrx (R = Dy, Er, 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 3) compounds have been investigated by means of x-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. These compounds have hexagonal Th2Ni17-type structure. The unit-cell volumes decrease with the increase of Cr concentration x. The Curie temperature Tc of the Er2Fe17-xCrx compounds increases from 320 K for x = 0 to 403 K for x = 1.0 and then decreases with further increase of x. The Curie temperature Tc of Dy2Fe17-xCrx compounds increases from 364 K for x = 0 to 435 K for x = 1.0 and then decreases with further increase of x. The saturation magnetization of these compounds shows an approximately linear decrease with the increase of x. Spin reorientation transitions occurs in Er2Fe17-xCrx (x = 2.0 and 3.0).