Crystal structure and spin-reorientation transition in TbFe10−xNixSi2 compounds

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of TbFe10−xNixSi2 compounds have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. It is revealed that Ni substitution for Fe results in a slight variation of the Curie temperature, but a salient decrease of the spin-reorientation temperature of the compounds. A spin-phase diagram of TbFe10−xNixSi2 is constructed. At room temperature the compounds show planar magnetocrystalline anisotropy for x⩽1.5, but easy-axis anisotropy for x>1.5. Temperature dependent X-ray diffraction indicates a noticeable magnetostriction around the spin-reorientation temperature.