NdCrSb3, a compound containing alternating layers of Nd and Cr atoms in its
structure, undergoes two ferromagnetic ordering transitions. At 107.8 K,fe
rromagnetic ordering of the Cr moments occurs; at 12.7 K, ferromagnetic ord
ering of the Nd and Cr moments occurs. Neutron diffraction studies place th
e magnetization axis for the ordered Cr moments along [010], and for the co
upled Nd and Cr moments along [100]. These transitions are also observed in
the temperature dependence of the de magnetization, and as maxima in the c
hi'(ac) and chi"(ac) magnetic susceptibilities. Hysteresis loops at and 40
K revealed saturation magnetization values of 3.70 and 2.37 mu (B)/f.u. and
coercive fields of 2100 and 400 Oe, respectively. The saturation magnetiza
tion of 3.7 mu (B) at 2 K is the same as that determined from neutron diffr
action studies. Both ferromagnetic ordering transitions are manifested as k
inks in the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity. Field-dep
endent resistivity measurements made between 2 and 130 K indicate negative
magnetoresistance behavior with values up to -13%.