Magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Ni and Mn substituted Nd2Fe14B compounds

Measurements of the effects of Ni and Mn substitutions for Fe on the magnetic properties of Nd₂Fe₁₄B compounds are reported. The Curie temperature is slightly increased with Ni substitution whilst in the case of replacement of Fe by Mn it is reduced drastically. A monotonic decrease of both the lattice parameters a and c is observed. The saturation magnetization is decreased by both Ni and especially Mn substitutions. The composition dependence of both the reorientation spin transition temperature and the cone angle has been measured. The influence of the 3d metal substitution on the Nd anisotropy has been measured and discussed. The composition dependence of the room temperature anisotropy field values, which is an important figure of merit for permanent magnet applications, decreases slightly in the case of Ni and drastically for Mn substitution. A comparison with the case of Co substitution has been made.