Phase Relations, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Erbium—Iron Compounds

The phase relations, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of intermetallic compounds occurring in the Er–Fe system have been investigated. A phase diagram is given. The lattice constants of the compounds ErFe 2 , ErFe 3 , Er 6 Fe 23 , and Er 2 Fe 17 have been determined. These compounds are ferrimagnetic with the Fe moments coupled antiparallel to the Er moments. Their Curie temperatures decrease with increasing Fe concentration. The compounds ErFe 2 , ErFe 3 , and Er 6 Fe 23 have been observed to show a compensation point.