MAGNETIC-BEHAVIOR OF RCUAL COMPOUNDS

We studied structural and magnetic properties of the RCuAl (R=rare ear th) intermetallic compounds by means of X-ray diffraction, susceptibil ity, magnetization and specific heat measurements. Magnetic ordering a t low temperatures was observed in most of these materials. Results pr ovide indications of ferromagnetic coupling in the heavy rare-earth co mpounds (R=Gd-Er), while PrCuAl and NdCuAl show antiferromagnetic beha viour. Additional magnetic phase transition in the ordered state was f ound in GdCuAl and DyCuAl. A metamagnetic transition was observed in D yCuAl. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.