Ferro-antiferromagnetic crossover without volume changes in GdPt1-xCux compounds

The volume variation and the magnetic properties of GdPt1-xCux (no volume c hanges) are compared with the previously studied GdNi1-xCux (4% change on v olume) for 0.2 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.8. The evolu tion of the ordering temperatures with respect to the change from ferro to antiferromagnetism behaviour are noticeably similar for both compounds. Thi s strongly supports the crucial role of the conduction band (via density of states) in the stability of the magnetic character. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scie nce B.V. All rights reserved.