Structural and magnetic properties of R2Fe17-xBx compounds with R = Y, Pr,Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb and Dy

The effect of partial Fe substitution by Be on structure and magnetic prope rties has been studied across the R2Fe17-xBex series, where R = Y, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb and Dy. On Be substitution, the Th2Zn17 type rhombohedral struct ure is stabilized across the series, even for R = Dy and Tb which stabilize in the Th2Ni17 type hexagonal structure without Be substitution. Depending on the R element, one or more Be atoms (up to five) per formula unit can b e retained in the Th2Zn17 type structure. The lattice parameters, magnetic ordering temperature and saturation magnetic moment decrease upon Be substi tution. The easy magnetization direction of the samples with a higher magne tic ordering temperature is still within the basal c plane. The variation o f magnetic properties is discussed in correlation with volume effects, dilu tion effects and electron hybridization.