Effect of Hydrogen on Magnetic Properties of Quaternary Pr2Fe14−xCoxB Compounds

Abstract

The effect of absorbed hydrogen on the structural and magnetic behavior of Pr2Fe14−xCoxB has been investigated. Introduction of hydrogen in the host material reduces the average magnetic moment of the 3d element by ˜ 4 to 7%. Anisotropy fields for all systems studied are significantly reduced upon hydrogenation. Evidence of spin reorientation at temperatures ranging between ˜ 295 K and 496 K for some of the hydrides is observed. Pr2Co14B and its hydride exhibit uniaxial anisotropy at room temperature and at 77 K.The role of hydrogen in expanding the lattices of these intermetallics and modifying their magnetic properties is discussed.