Microstructure, microchemistry, and coercivity in Sm–Co–Cu and Pr–Co–Cu 1:5 alloys

Abstract The microstructure and microchemistry of Cu-substituted SmCo 5 - and PrCo 5 -based cast alloys have been investigated using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and nanoprobe energy dispersive spectroscopy. Nanoscale precipitates with the hexagonal crystal structure have been observed in the Cu-substituted 1:5 alloys. Results suggest that the coercivity of Cu-substituted 1:5 alloys depends on both the Cu content of the 1:5 matrix phase and the crystal structure of the precipitates.