Formation of TbCu7-type CeFe10Zr0.8 by rapid solidification

We report the discovery of a new ternary compound prepared by melt spinning induction melted ingot of nominal composition CeFe11Zr. The sample melt spun at v(s) = 25 m/s exhibits the hexagonal TbCu7-type structure of space group P6/mmm. Through fitting the experimental X-ray diffraction pattern by Rietveld method, we have successfully derived the crystal structure of the new compound melt spun at v(s) = 25 m/s to be CeFe10Zr0.8. Subsequent density function theory calculation fully supports the chemical stability of the new ternary compound. Annealing test showed that the melt spun CeFe10Zr0.8 is stable up to 700 degrees C and annealing at higher temperature would cause it to decompose into hexagonal Ce2Fe17-type structure and ZrFe2. The Curie temperature measurement found that CeFe10Zr0.8 boasts a T-c = 181 degrees C, which is higher than the Tc values of all known Ce-Fe binary compounds, and 30 degrees C higher than that of Ce2Fe14B. These interesting properties stimulate continued search for new Ce-based permanent magnets that could be a cost effective solution to engineering needs in the future. (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.