Anomalous Thermal Expansion and Spontaneous Magnetostriction of Gd2Fe16.5Cr0.5 Compound

Abstract

The thermal expansion and magnetic properties of Gd2Fe16.5Cr0.5compound have been investigated by means of X-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements. The Gd2Fe16.5Cr0.5compound has a rhombohedral Th2Zn17-type structure. The Curie temperature of Gd2Fe16.5Cr0.5compound is about 560K. This value is about 50K higher than that value of the mother compound Gd2Fe17. A small average thermal expansion coefficient, = 1.65×10-6/K, and a negative average thermal expansion coefficient, = -1.46×10-5/K, were found in Gd2Fe16.5Cr0.5compound by X-ray diffraction in the temperature range 294 - 514K, and 514-613K, respectively. There exists anisotropic strong spontaneous magnetostriction in the magnetic state of Gd2Fe16.5Cr0.5compound.