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Lattice Anomalies and Magnetic States in Fe₅Si₃-Mn₅Si₃ Alloys

Citation

Chao, Chih Chieh (1972) Lattice Anomalies and Magnetic States in Fe₅Si₃-Mn₅Si₃ Alloys. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/X3BM-C979. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04042016-141241598

Abstract

The lattice anomalies and magnetic states in the (Fe100-xMnx)5Si3 alloys have been investigated. Contrary to what was previously reported, results of x-ray diffraction show a second phase (α') present in Fe-rich alloys and therefore strictly speaking a complete solid solution does not exist. Mössbauer spectra, measured as a function of composition and temperature, indicate the presence of two inequivalent sites, namely 6(g) site (designated as site I) and 4(d) (site II). A two-site model (TSM) has been introduced to interpret the experimental findings. The compositional variation of lattice parameters a and c, determined from the x-ray analysis, exhibits anomalies at x = 22.5 and x = 50, respectively. The former can be attributed to the effect of a ferromagnetic transition; while the latter is due to the effect of preferential substitution between Fe and Mn atoms according to TSM.

The reduced magnetization of these alloys deduced from magnetic hyperfine splittings has been correlated with the magnetic transition temperatures in terms of the molecular field theory. It has been found from both the Mössbauer effect and magnetization measurements that for composition 0 ≤ x ˂ 50 both sites I and II are ferromagnetic at liquid-nitrogen temperature and possess moments parallel to each other. In the composition range 50 ˂ x ≤ 100 , the site II is antiferromagnetic whereas site I is paramagnetic even at a temperature below the bulk Néel temperatures. In the vicinity of x = 50 however, site II is in a state of transition between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism. The present study also suggests that only Mn in site II are responsible for the antiferromagnetism in Mn5Si3 contrary to a previous report.

Electrical resistance has also been measured as a function of temperature and composition. The resistive anomalies observed in the Mn-rich alloys are believed to result from the effect of the antiferromagnetic Brillouin zone on the mobility of conduction electrons.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Materials Science and Physics)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Materials Science
Minor Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Duwez, Pol E. (advisor)
  • Tsuei, Chang-chyi (advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:6 April 1972
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Atomic Energy CommissionUNSPECIFIED
CaltechUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04042016-141241598
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04042016-141241598
DOI:10.7907/X3BM-C979
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:9648
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By:INVALID USER
Deposited On:06 Apr 2016 16:28
Last Modified:28 Jun 2024 21:59

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