Itinerant magnetism in TiMxBe2-x (M = Cu, Fe)

Magnetization and Mössbauer studies of TiCu_xFe_yBe_2-x-y (x = 0, 0.03, 0.4, y = 0, 0.02) show that TiBe₂ is an enhanced paramagnet, 0.02 Fe or 0.03 Cu reduce the susceptibility. On the other hand, TiCu_0.4Be_1.6 is ferromagnetic (T_c = 20 K) and 0.02 Fe reduces the magnetization and Curie point (T_c = 16 K). The magnetic properties of all samples are extremely sensitive to sample preparation and heat treatments.

The Mössbauer studies show that the itinerant magnetism resides on the Ti site, all Ti sites have the same local spin density irrespective of local environment.