Magnetization and specific heat study on a SmCuAl3 single crystal

We report on structural and magnetic properties of a SmCuAl3 single crystal. The sample quality, phase and structure purity were investigated by means of x-ray and neutron diffraction, BSE electron microscopy and EDX analysis. The crystal structure was identified to be of a tetragonal BaNiSn3-type (space group I4mm, 107). Magnetization measurements revealed two magnetic phase transitions: from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic state at Tc = 28 K and another transition at TN = 6.6 K connected with a development of the antiferromagnetic component of magnetic moments. Both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic components are followed down to lowest temperature. Possible origins of the phase transition at 28 K are discussed. Paramagnetic data are well described assuming a Sm3+ ground-state-multiplet splitting in crystalline environment. Crystal field parameters are estimated and used for magnetization and specific heat calculations revealing a qualitatively good agreement with the experimental data. •SmCuAl3 single crystal was prepared.•Magnetization and specific heat data are well described by crystal field model.•Both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnet ordering were observed.•Obtained results are well consistent with other RCuAl3 compounds (R = rare-earth).