PROPERTIES OF THE NIAS-TYPE PHASE NI1-XPX(MSN1)

The conditions for the existence of an Ni1+mSn1-xPx solid solution pha se with a partly filled NiAs-type structure are described. The phase h as a large homogeneity region at high temperatures which includes Ni3S n2. At room temperature, the phase exists only for a small composition range (in x, m). Metastable one-phase samples were obtained on quench ing. Single-crystal X-ray and powder neutron diffraction data provide weak indications for deviations from the ideal structure. A tendency t owards formation of NiP3Sn2 clusters at the trigonal bipyramidal sites is proposed. Thermal expansion data are presented for the quenched, m etastable NiAs-type phase, and transformations into stable products ar e described. The phase exhibits Pauli paramagnetism.