Comparison of magnetic and transport properties of Gd6YPd3 and Gd7Pd3 single crystals

Electronic structure, transport and magnetic properties of the Gd6YPd3 single crystal have been measured. This compound crystallizes in the hexagonal Th7Fe3 type of structure with the ratio c/a = 0.63 similar to that obtained for Gd7Pd3. Gd6YPd3 orders ferromagnetically at 299 K while Gd7Pd3 displays also ferromagnetic transition but at about 334 K. All measured physical properties show a strong anisotropy. The thermal dependence of the electrical resistivity shows an anomalous character having a strong negative curvature and quadratic temperature dependences at low temperatures. The saturation magnetic moment per Gd ion is enhanced in relation to the theoretical value. Spin fluctuations taking place on the palladium atoms may be responsible for the magnetic properties of ternary compound.