MAGNETIC-BEHAVIOR OF THE INTERSTITIAL ALLOYS OF THE TYPE, CEMXGE2 (M = FE, CO, NI AND CU)

The results of electrical resistivity measurements in the temperature interval 1.4-300 K on the alloys, CeMxGe2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni and Cu; 0 , x < 1), crystallizing in the CeNiSi2-type structure, are reported. Magnetization measurements were also performed on selected compositions for each M. While Fe-containing specimens seem to be non-magnetic Kondo lattices, Ni- and Co-containing specimens exhibit antiferromagnetic Kondo-lattice bahaviour, with T(N) congruent-to 3.9 K and 3.0 K respectively. Interestingly, Cu containing specimens order antiferromagnetically at a high temperature (-17 K), though the paramagnetic Curie-temperature appears to be positive; such a behaviour is uncommon among Ce systems. In addition, a Cu containing alloy, investigated for its magnetization behaviour, shows strong metamagnetic behaviour as a function of externally applied magnetic field.