Abstract

In the present study, we systematically investigated the effect of Mn addition on nitrogenation behavior and magnetic properties of Sm-Fe powders produced by reduction-diffusion process. Alloy powders with only Sm_2(Fe,Mn)_17 single phase were successfully produced by the reduction-diffusion process. The coercivity of Sm_2(Fe,Mn)_17 powder rapidly increased during nitrogenation and reached the maximum of 637 Oe after 16 hours. After further nitrogenation, it decreased. In contrast, the coercivity of Sm_2Fe_17 powder gradually increased during nitrogenation for 24 hours. The coercivity of Sm_2(Fe,Mn)_17 powder was higher than that of Sm_2Fe_17 powder at the same condition of nitrogenation. It was considered that the Mn addition facilitates the nitrogenation of Sm_2Fe_17 powder and enhances the coercivity.

• Keywords: Reduction-diffusion method;Sm_2Fe_17;Nitrogenation;Mn;