Structural and Magnetic Properties of Pseudobinary System (Zr_1−xNb_x)Fe₂

Abstract

In pseudobinary system (Zr_1−xNb_x)Fe₂, the crystal structure is MgCu₂ type for x≤0.3, MgZn₂ type for x>0.5 and six layers structure for 0.35<x<0.5. The compounds show ferromagnetism for x≤0.4, antiferromagnetism for 0.4<x≤0.5 and (Pauli) paramagnetism for x>0.5. It is concluded with reference of the Mössbauer experiment that the magnetic moment of iron is far larger in MgCu₂ structure than in MgZn₂ structure. Dominant factors to affect the magnetic polarization of iron are the arrangement of the surrounding atoms as well as the magnetic polarization of the surrounding iron atoms.