A revision of the Sm-rich region of the Sm–Co system

The Sm-rich side of the Sm–Co system has been experimentally reinvestigated using the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method with slow rates of 1 °C/min and 0.5 °C/min as well as microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Combining the experimental results from DSC, XRD and EPMA (Electron Probe MicroAnalysis) analyses, five invariant reactions have been determined and the existence of the Sm3Co and Sm5Co2 phases confirmed. The phase diagram of Sm–Co system has been accordingly modified.

Research highlights▶ The Sm-rich side of the Sm-Co system has been experimentally reinvestigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), microscope and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. ▶ Results confirm the existence of the Sm3Co and Sm5Co2 phases. ▶ Five invariant reactions have been determined in the Sm-rich region.