HIGH-COERCIVITY SM-FE-GA-C COMPOUNDS WITH TH2ZN17 STRUCTURE BY MELT-SPINNING

The magnetic hardening of the Sm2Fe14Ga3Cx was investigated by melt spinning. It was found that high coercivities can be achieved by direct quenching at the optimum substrate velocity. The coercivities of 12.6-15.0 kOe were obtained in SM2Fe14Ga3Cx ribbons with carbon contents x from 1.0 to 2.5. The as-quenched Sm2Fe14Ga3C1.5 ribbons had a coercivity exceeding 13 kOe within a large range of quench rates between 18 and 30 m/s. X-ray diffraction experiments indicate that the ribbons are almost entirely comprised of the Tb2Zn17 phase. It is concluded that Ga not only stabilizes the hard magnetic phase but also is very effective in raising the coercivity in the SM2Fe14Ga3Cx melt-spun ribbons.