Magnetic properties and magneto striction of Pr0.2CexTb0.8-xFe2 alloys with the MgCu2-type Laves structure

The crystal structure, magnetic properties and magnetostriction of arc-melted polycrystalline Pr0.2CexTb0.8-xFe2 (x from 0.2 to 0.7) alloys were investigated by X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer and standard strain gauge techniques. It was found that all samples possess MgCu2-type cubic Laves structure. The lattice parameter exhibits positive deviation from Vegard's law. The Curie temperature decreases with increasing Ce concentration. The magnetostriction at room temperature decreases with increasing Ce concentration, when 0.2 < x < 0.4 and x > 0.6, while increases with increasing Ce concentration from 0.3 to 0.6. The anomalies of lattice parameter and magnetostriction are attributed to the valence fluctuation of Ce ions. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.