Exchange Coupling and Magnetic Behavior of SmCo5-xSnx Alloys

Exchange coupling and magnetic properties of SmCo5 alloys containing different amounts of Sn were investigated in sintered magnets. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of Sm2Co17 and Sm2Co7 phases in SmCo5 matrix. Exchange coupling mechanism was evaluated by switching field distribution, dc-demagnetization and magnetization curves as function of reverse applied field. Energy product of 59.2 kJ/m(3) (7.4 MGOe), remanent magnetization to maximum magnetization ratio of 0.97 and remanence coercivity to intrinsic coercivity ratio of 1.75 were achieved for 0.2 at.% Sn.