On the magnetic properties of Gd(Fe1-xAlx)₂compounds

The magnetic properties of the Laves phase series Gd(Fe 1-x Al x ) 2 have been studied by means of magnetisation measurements in fields up to 160 kOe for 0<or=x<or=1.0. The Curie temperatures show a rapid decrease with increasing x values, followed by a slight increase for x>or=0.8. The mean magnetic moment increases almost linearly from GdFe 2 to GdAl 2 . This implies a constant iron moment for all iron atoms throughout the whole concentration range. The Gd atoms appear to be the magnetising element of the diluted Al-Fe matrix.