Effects of Manganese Substitution in theNd₂Co_17-xMn_x Compounds on Structural and Magnetic Properties

The structural and magnetic properties of the Nd₂Co_17-xMn_x (x ≤ 14) compounds have been investigated by means of x-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. The Nd₂Co_17-xMn_x (x ≤ 14) compounds have a rhombohedral Th₂Zn₁₇-type structure. The unit-cell volume increases with increasing x. The Curie temperature and the saturation magnetization of these compounds show a marvelous drop with increasing x. The spin reorientation is observed at about 190 K in the Nd₂Co₁₅Mn₂ compound.