Structure and magnetic properties of Ce2Co17−xAlx compounds

Abstract The structural and magnetic properties of Ce 2 Co 17− x Al x samples for Al concentrations up to x =5 were studied by means of X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The 2:17 phase was found to exist only up to x =3.5. The easy magnetisation direction is parallel to the c -axis in all of the latter compounds. The Co moments and the Curie temperatures decrease strongly with increasing Si concentration. From magnetic measurements made on magnetically aligned powders, we have determined the concentration dependence of the anisotropy constant K 1 . The values of K 1 increase with increasing x . This behaviour is discussed in terms of preferential Al substitution.