Abstract
Results of magnetic and dilatometric studies of the RE(Co_1-xSi_x)₂ compounds with RE = Nd, Ho and Er for x ≤ 0.15 are presented. The lattice cell volume of the Ho and Er compounds is invariable with respect to x, whereas the Nd(Co_1-xSi_x)₂ lattice expands by ~7% when x increases up to 0.15. Si substitutions for Co (x ≤ 0.075) induce a dramatic increase of Curie temperature (TC) both in the Ho and Er compounds. Slight reduction of (TC) is observed in Nd analogues. Co magnetism in these materials is reflected in pronounced magnetovolume phenomena below TC. Results are discussed in terms of expected changes of electronic structure and their influence on the hierarchy of exchange interactions and formation of the Co moment.

Key words
magnetic and dilatometric studies, RE(Co_1-xSi_x)₂ compounds, electronic structure

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