The (SmZr)Co$_3$Phase in Sm(CoFeCuZr)$_rm z$Magnets

Detailed microstructural characterization of magnets and homogenized as-cast alloys, which included X-ray diffraction Rietveld analysis, has indicated that the so-called platelet or lamellae phase is (SmZr)₁(CoFeCu)₃ with the PuNi₃ structure and lattice parameters a~0.5 nm and c~2.4 nm. The structural and magnetic properties of the (SmZr)Co₃ phase were investigated. The microstructure shows two phases differing in their Zr/Sm ratio. Magnetization curves for the samples (Sm_0.33Zr _0.67)Co₃, (Sm_0.33Zr_0.67)Co _2.97Fe_0.03, and (Sm_0.67Zr_0.33)Co₃ are consistent with the two-phase microstructure observed. Room temperature coercivity values of these samples are low (ap1 kOe.)