Anisotropy and spin-reorientations in Co-rich rare earth compounds

The effect on the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of substitution of several types of non-magnetic atoms into the various Co sites of R2Co17 compounds h as been studied. A substitution scheme is presented taking into account siz e effects as well as enthalpy effects. The effects of preferential substitu tion into the various Co sites have been correlated with changes in anisotr opy derived from magnetic measurements. Particular attention has been given to various types of spin-reorientation transitions occurring in the temper ature dependence of the magnetization. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All r ights reserved.