Structure and magnetic properties of Sm_1-xZr_x Fe₁₀Si₂ (x=0.2-0.6) alloys

Structure and magnetic properties of Sm_1-xZr_xFe₁₀Si₂ (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) alloys have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermomagnetic analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The formation of the tetragonal ThMn₁₂ -type structure was been observed in all alloys, without further annealing. The Curie temperature decreases linearly with Zr substitution from 322 °C for x=0.1 to 395 °C for x=0.6. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed the iron hyperfine field values decrease with increasing Zr content, and also confirmed changes to the magnetic anisotropy with increasing Zr content observed by XRD on oriented samples. (paper)