Magnetic properties of Pr3−xGdxCo11B4 borides

Polycrystalline series of single phase Pr3−xGdxCo11B4 (x=0, 1, 2, and 3) solid solutions were prepared and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), magnetization and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns show that all samples crystallize as a single phase with the hexagonal Ce3Co11B4-type structure. The substitution of Gd for Pr leads to a decrease of the unit-cell parameters a and the unit-cell volume V, while the unit-cell parameter c increases monotonically. Magnetic measurements indicate that all samples are ordered magnetically below the Curie temperature. The Curie temperatures increase as Pr is substituted by Gd. The saturation magnetization at 4K decreases upon Gd substitution up to x=1, and then increases. •All samples crystallize in the hexagonal Ce3Co11B4-type structure.•The unit-cell parameters a and V decrease linearly.•All samples are ordered magnetically below the Curie temperature.•The Curie temperatures increase as Pr is substituted by Gd.