Magnetic and electronic studies of LaFe13-xSix compounds with 1.3≤x≤1.69

We have studied the magnetization of fine crystalline LaFe13-xSix compounds with 1.3 <= x <= 1.69 under magnetic fields up to 10 T. The experimental magnetization measurements were interpreted in the framework of a random magnetic anisotropy (RMA) model. The results demonstrate that it is possible to extend the application of RMA to the fine crystallinestate of the compounds. From the analysis of the approach to saturation magnetization some fundamental parameters have been extracted quantifying the anisotropy forces. In addition, first-principles spin-density functional calculations, using the Full Potential Linear Augmented Plane Waves (FLAPW) method were performed to investigate both the electronic and magnetic structures and computed magnetic moments are discussed and compared with available experimental data from magnetization measurements and neutron diffraction results. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.