Sm2Fe17 carbides were prepared by arc-melting and gas-solid reaction (
GSR). Zn-bonding was investigated as a means of developing coercivity
on these carbides. Positive results were found by Zn-bonding carbides
prepared by GSR where coercivities up to 0.9 T could be achieved after
a proper heat-treatment. The alpha-Fe originated due to disproportion
ation seems to be one primary hindrance for achieving coercivity value
s as high as for Zn-bonded nitrides. The effect of heat treatment cond
itions and Zn-content on the development of coercivity in Sm2Fe17 carb
ides is discussed and compared to results on nitrides.