Magnetic properties of R3Co8Sn4 (R=Y, Gd)

Abstract The magnetic properties of the intermetallic phases R3Co8Sn4 (R=Y, Gd) are presented. The two compounds order ferro- (Y) and ferri-magnetically (Gd) with transition temperatures of 61.5 and 102.5 K, respectively. In the paramagnetic region, the Y-compound follows the Curie–Weiss law with μ=0.98 μB/Co and θP=62.0 K while a more complex behaviour, typical of a ferrimagnetic substance, is observed for Gd3Co8Sn4. The experimental data, analysed in the framework of the molecular field theory, allow to obtain the exchange parameter for the Co–Co (JCo–Co=83kB) and of the Gd–Co (JGd–Co=11kB) interactions.