Gd Substitution Effects on the Magnetic Properties of the Pr1−xGdxCo4Si Compounds

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of single phase Pr1−xGdxCo4Si compounds with x=0,0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8, and 1.0 have been investigated. X-ray analysis reveals that the compounds crystallize as a single phase having the hexagonal CaCu5-type structure with the space group P6/mmm. The substitution of Gd for Pr causes a linear decrease of the unit-cell parameters a and c, and the unit-cell volume V. Magnetic measurements indicate that all samples are ordered magnetically below the Curie temperature. The saturation magnetization at 4.2 K decreases upon the Gd substitution up to x=0.6, and then increases.