Magnetic properties of MnBi1−xRx (R=rare earth) systems

MnBi crystallizes in a NiAs-type hexagonal crystal structure, exhibits a high uniaxial anisotropy, and is potentially useful as a permanent magnet material. We have examined the effect of partial substitution of Bi with rare earth elements on the magnetic properties of MnBi. MnBi1−xRx (R=Nd, Dy) were prepared by mechanically alloying powders of the constituent elements at liquid nitrogen temperature followed by heat treatment. X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements were performed on powder samples to characterize the samples. We found that in MnBi1−xNdx, coercivity (at room temperature) increases from 0.7 kOe to 6.6 kOe for x=0.0 and 0.3, respectively. In MnBi1−xDyx the coercivity increases from 0.7 kOe to 7.9 kOe for x=0.0 and 0.3. The increase in coercivity may be in part due to the increase in the crystal field anisotropy as Nd or Dy is introduced and in part due to the finer particle size. A magnet made from MnBi shows coercivity of ∼17 kOe. A very fine particle size is considered to be the reason for this high coercivity.