Ferromagnetism in Nd(Co1-xVx)2Si2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5)

Magnetic properties of R(Co1-xVx)2Si2 (R = Nd; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) compounds have been investigated by magnetometric measurements. The compounds were prepared by arc melting and characterized using powder x-ray diffraction studies. The parent compound NdCo2Si2 is antiferromagnetic. Cobalt, which does not carry any magnetic moment in these compounds has been substituted by vanadium. The V doped samples exhibit ferrimagnetic behaviour. Magnetizations measured at 4 K tend to saturate at high magnetic fields. The hysteresis loops and coercive fields suggest ferromagnetism occurring below ∼ 20 K. Analysis suggests occurrence of 3d localized moments as a result of V substitution.