Theory of point-defects, non-stoichiometry, and solute additions in SmCo{sub 5+x}-Sm{sub 2}Co{sub 17{minus}y} and related compounds
There is considerable interest in the possibility of producing Sm-Co-based nanocomposite magnets by rapid solidification and other far-from-equilibrium processing methods. Thermodynamic and kinetic models are quite valuable in understanding and optimizing such methods. This paper describes a method of estimation, utilizing tight-binding-based bond-order interatomic interaction potentials, of the thermodynamic properties of point defects such as vacancies, interstitials, antisite defects, and solute additions in the SmCo{sub 5+x} and Sm{sub 2}Co{sub 17{minus}y} phases and related rare-earth-transition metal compounds. Illustrative calculations for point defects in SmCo{sub 5} will be presented. The results suggest a unified model of the thermodynamic properties of the SmCo{sub 5+x}-Sm{sub 2}Co{sub 17{minus}y} region of the phase diagram, based on the 1-5 structure and the replacement of Sm by interacting dumb-bell interstitials to form the 2-17 structure; the model is similar in nature to theories of the thermodynamics of metal hydrides.