First-principles calculation of magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Y(Co,Fe,Ni,Cu)5 based on full-potential KKR Green’s function method

The performance of permanent magnets YCo5 can be improved by replacing cobalt with other elements, such as iron, copper, and nickel. In order to determine its optimum composition, it is necessary to perform systematic theoretical calculations in a consistent framework. In this study, we calculated the magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant Ku of Y(Co1−x−yFexCuy)3(Co1−zNiz)2 on the basis of the full-potential Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker Green’s function method in conjunction with the coherent potential approximation. The calculated Ku of YCo5 was smaller than the experimental value because of a missing enhancement due to orbital polarization. Although the value of Ku of Y(Co1−x−yFexCuy)3(Co1−zNiz)2 was systematically underestimated compared to their experimental counterparts, the doping effect can be analyzed within a consistent framework. The results have shown that YFe3Co2 has much higher Ku=5.00 MJ/m3 than pristine YCo5 (Ku=1.82 MJ/m3), and that nickel as a stabilization element decreases Ku and magnetization in YFe3(Co1−zNiz)2. However, the anisotropy field of z∼0.5 can compete with the value of YCo5.