MAGNETIC-ANISOTROPY AND 1ST-ORDER MAGNETIZATION PROCESSES IN SM(FE1-XCOX)10TI2, SM(FE1-XCOX)10SI2 COMPOUNDS

The Sm(Fe1-xCox)10.8Ti1.2 and Sm(Fe1-xCox)10Si2 compounds with tetragonal ThMn12 structure were studied by using the SPD technique in order to investigate temperature and composition behavior of both magnetocrystalline anisotropy and First-Order Magnetization Process (FOMP). The substitution of Co for Fe affects the magnetic properties in the following manner: (1) It enhances the Curie temperature, in a way which is slightly different for the Ti and Si systems. (2) It produces a rapid decrease of the overall axial anisotropy, leading to a change of the sign of the anisotropy, that is to easy plane systems. This effect is quantitatively different for the two systems; furthermore, a comparison with Y(Fe1-xCox)10.8Ti1.2 gives indications for a strong indirect influence of Co on the Sm anisotropy. (3) It decreases both the HCR values and the onset temperatures of the type II FOMP. © 1990.