Spin reorientation studies in Er2(Fe, Si)14B and (Er, Y)2Fe14B compounds

Abstract

The effect of substitution of non-magnetic elements, Si and Y on the spin reorientation transition in Er2Fe14−xSixB and Er2−xYxFe14B (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0) compounds is studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermomagnetisation measurements. The activation energy Ea and the change in enthalpy ΔH for the transition, determined from the DSC thermograms, as a function of Si concentration are also reported. The spin reorientation transition is found to be first order in nature. The variation of Curie temperature with the substitution of Si and Y is also determined.