The (Zr0.67Sm0.33)(CoCuFe)3 phase in Sm(CoFeCuZr)z magnets

The achievement of high coercivity in 2:17 magnets depends upon the presence of Zr, although there is some disagreement as to its role. The important role of Zr in stabilizing the high temperature 1:7 phase has been emphasized. It has been proposed that the function of the Zr might be to improve the imperfect shape of the cell walls and thereby increase coercivity. A Rietveld refinement of an X-ray diffraction spectrum was performed using Topas software. This analysis revealed that the sample consisted mainly (~70%) of a rhombhohedral 1:3 phase with lattice parameters a = 0.5 nm and c = 2.4 nm.