MAGNETIC-PROPERTIES OF THE UCOAL1-XGAX INTERMETALLIC SYSTEM

Results of structure and magnetization study of solid solutions UCoAl1 -xGax are presented. The ZrNiAl-type structure of parent compounds per sists over whole series and a rather weak concentration dependence of lattice parameters is observed. UCoAl is a paramagnet showing metamagn etism above 1 T at low temperatures. Substitution of Ga for Al leads t o gradual evolution of spontaneous magnetic moment, which amounts to 0 .63 mu(B) in UCoGa. This behaviour associated with the 5f moment forma tion and ordering is discussed in terms of varying U-U exchange intera ctions mediated by the anisotropic 5f ligand hybridization. (C) 1998 E lsevier Science S.A.