Magnetic properties of solid solutions of the system ErxY1−xFe2

The magnetic properties of the system ErxY1−xFe2 (MgCu2 structure) in the temperature range 80–800°K are investigated. The magnetization and the coercive force Hc are measured as a function of T. For alloys with x= 0.5−1 there is a magnetic compensation point Θc. The composition dependence of Θc, the magnetic moment of the alloy μ and of the iron atoms μFe are determined. An Hc anomaly is observed in Θc. In order to explain the results obtained, the presence of two types of magnetically active atoms and three types of exchange interaction are included.