Influence of Zr substitution on the stabilization of ThMn12-type (Nd1−αZrα)(Fe0.75Co0.25)11.25Ti0.75N1.2−1.4 (α = 0–0.3) compounds

The influence of Zr substitution in ThMn12 compounds was investigated using strip casting alloys. It was found that Zr substitution stabilized (Nd1−αZrα)(Fe0.75Co0.25)11.25Ti0.75N1.2−1.4 (α = 0–0.3) compounds. Specifically, a reduction in the lattice constant along the a-axis was observed. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping combined with Cs-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy indicated that Zr atoms preferentially occupied Nd 2a sites. Both the magnetic anisotropy field and saturation polarization were maximum at Zr substitution ratio α = 0.1. The (Nd1−αZrα)(Fe0.75Co0.25)11.25Ti0.75N1.2−1.4 (α = 0–0.3) compounds displayed higher saturation polarization than Nd2Fe14B at high temperatures.