MAGNETIC-PROPERTIES OF SM2FE17NX, X=3.9

Hydrogen decrepitation of Sm2Fe17 followed by treatment in ammonia pro duces interstitial nitrides with nitrogen concentrations greater than three per formula unit. Measurements of the lattice parameters and mag netic properties are consistent with interstitial nitrogen occupation of the 9e and either the 3b or 18g sites. The effect of the extra nitr ogen on the iron sublattice is to reduce the overall moment, particula rly of the 18h sites. The magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants K-1 and K-2 indicate a significant decrease in the easy-axis character com pared to Sm2Fe17N3 material.