Structure and Magnetic Properties of Sm-Fe-N Prepared by Nitriding High Purity Sm₂Fe₁₇ Grown from Sm-Rich Melt

We report on a novel method for preparation of high purity Sm 2 Fe 17 phase by removing the liquid impurity phase from the Sm-rich precursor at high temperatures. With decreasing Sm addition, the percentage of liquid phase left as impurity is decreasing. Nitrogen absorption to the Sm 2 Fe 17 powders results in a complete formation of Sm 2 Fe 17 N 3 , which shows a weak disproportionation reaction at 773 K. The magnetic performance of the Sm 2 Fe 17 N 3 from precursors with different Sm content is improving with decreasing Sm content.