MAGNETISM OF C-14-RMN(2) (R=Y, GD, TB, DY AND YB)

Magnetic properties of metastable C14-RMn(2) Laves phase (R = Y, Gd, T b, Dy and Yb), have been measured. YMn2 and YbMn2 are paramagnetic dow n to 4.2 K. GdMn2, TbMn2 and DyMn2 are ferromagnetic at low temperatur es and the temperature dependence of their susceptibilities obeys the Curie-Weiss law at high temperatures. An antiferromagnetic order of Mn local moments for GdMn2 and TbMn2 has been suggested. These propertie s are discussed together with those of other stable C14-RMn(2) (R = Pr , Nd, Sm, Ho, Er, Tm and Lu). The onset of local moments of itinerant Mn 3d electrons are mainly determined by the Mn-Mn distance.