Magnetic and electrical properties of R5Ir3 (R = Tb, Er)

Magnetic and electrical properties of R5Ir3 (R = Tb, Er) polycrystals with hexagonal structure have been studied by measuring magnetization, dc magnetic susceptibility, and electrical resistivity. Tb5Ir3 shows reentrant magnetism; it possesses ferromagnetic state below TC = 49 K and antiferromagnetic state takes place at Tt = 6.5 K. In the antiferromagnetic state, irreversible magnetic field-induced antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition was observed. Meanwhile, Er5Ir3 shows ferromagnetic property below TC = 10 K; antiferromagnetic state exists below Tt = 2.1 K. In the low temperature antiferromagnetic state, the irreversible antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transition was also observed. Paramagnetic susceptibility shows Curie-Weiss behavior in both compounds; the effective magnetic moment is in good agreement with the theoretical values of Tb3+ and Er3+ ions. Electrical resistivity indicated the metallic property; distinct anomalies were observed at the transition temperatures for both compounds.