The analysis of the magnetic properties in the intermetallic YxGd1−xNi3 compounds

In the paper an influence of Gd/Y substitution on the magnetic properties and exchange interactions of the YxGd1−xNi3 (x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) polycrystalline compounds have been studied. The partial replacement of Gd by Y atoms is reflected in decreasing of the Curie temperature (TC) as well as decreasing of effective the magnetic moment (μeff). It has been shown that such a behaviour strongly depends on the magnetic interactions. Exchange coupling parameters of R–R (ARR), T–T (ATT) and R–T (ART) have been evaluated from M(T) magnetization curves (2–300 K, 2 T) based on the mean field theory (MFT) calculation. The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) has been estimated from the family of magnetic isotherms. The magnetic entropy indicates relatively small change with the Gd/Y substitution. The value of ΔSm(T,H) is higher for Gd-rich compounds and, respectively, decreases with Gd/Y substitution.

► YxGd1−xNi5 crystallize in the PuNi3 structure, lattice parameters decreases with Gd/Y.
► TC(x) varies from 115 K to 27 K, for x≤0.2 additional TSR has been noticed.
► Saturation as well effective magnetic moments and MCE decreases with Gd/Y.
► MFT calculations indicate a drop in ARR and an increase in ART and ATT values with Gd/Y.
► The value of nickel magnetic moment obtained from MFT calculations decreases with x.