Magnetic characteristics of LnCo5ThCo5 pseudobinary systems

Magnetic characteristics of Ln_1?xTh_xCo₅ ternaries, with Ln = Gd, Ho or Er, are reported. Th is introduced into the lattice in an effort to achieve ferromagnetic coupling. It is observed that the antiferromagnetic LnCo coupling, which exists in the LnCo₅ binaries, also persists in the ternaries. The cobalt moment and Curie temperature are reduced as the Th content of the sample is increased. The decreased cobalt moment is ascribed to electron transfer from Th to the cobalt d-shell. Failure to achieve ferromagnetism in the ternaries is ascribed to electron capture by cobalt, which prevents a rise in electron concentration as Th replaces Ln in the lattice.