We have studied the magnetic properties of Ho2Co17-xGax compounds (x l
ess than or equal to 7) by means of magnetic measurements and X-ray di
ffraction on magnetically aligned powders. The Curie temperature and t
he spontaneous moment decrease strongly with increasing Ga concentrati
on. The compounds that are magnetically ordered at roam temperature ha
ve an easy magnetisation direction at room temperature which is perpen
dicular to the c-direction. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.