Magnetic, electronic, and structural investigation of the strongly correlated Y$_{1-x}$Sm$_x$Co$_5$ system

TL;DR

This study explores how substituting Sm for Y in YCo$_5$ affects its magnetic, electronic, and structural properties, revealing an interplay between microstructure strain and magnetic interactions in the system.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the effects of Sm substitution on the properties of YCo$_5$, combining structural, magnetic, and electrical measurements.

Findings

Sm substitution influences magnetic anisotropy.

Microstructure strain affects electronic interactions.

Interplay between strain and magnetic properties observed.

Abstract

SmCo$_5$ and YCo$_5$ are isostructural compounds both showing large magnetocrystalline anisotropy, where the former originates mainly from the crystal-electric field and magnetic interactions. We investigate the contribution of both interactions by partially substituting Y by Sm in as-cast polycrystalline Y$_{1-x}$Sm$_{x}$Co$_5$ (with $x$=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) and measuring their structural, magnetic, and electrical properties through X-ray diffraction, magnetization, and electrical transport measurements. Our results suggest an interplay between microstructure strain in as-cast samples and the electronic and magnetic interactions.