Structural and Magnetic Properties of Pseudobinary System Zr_1−xMo_xFe₂

Abstract

Crystallographic, magnetic and Mössbauer studies on Zr_1−xMo_xFe₂ are reported. Crystal structure changes with increasing x from MgCu₂ type (x≤0.15) to MgZn₂ type (x≥0.25). Magnetic moment of Fe estimated from magnetization is nearly unchanged (≈1.6 μ_B) in x≤0.15 and decreases considerably in x≥0.2. Mössbauer spectra at 78 K showed the existence of Fe with hyperfine fields of 217 and 199 kOe in Zr_0.9Mo_0.1Fe₂ and of Fe with 99 and 0 kOe in Zr_0.75Mo_0.25Fe₂. Magnetic properties of MgZn₂ type compounds Zr_0.7Mo_0.3Fe_y and Zr_0.5Mo_0.5Fe_y change from weak ferromagnetism for y=2.0 to paramagnetism for y=1.6.