ИСТИНА

MAX-phases represent a relatively new class of ternary carbides and nitrides with a general formula Mn+1AXn which possess a unique set of properties, common both for metals and for ceramics. Samples of (Cr1-xMnx)2AlC with Mn concentration x = 0, 2.5%, 5% and 10% were synthesized using arc melting technique with further annealing. XRD and SEM-EDX analysis proved the high homogeneity of these samples. Magnetic properties were investigated using SQUID magnetometry and magnetoresistance was measured with the PPMS setup. Magnetization behavior demonstrated the theoretically predicted competition between AFM and FM types of the magnetic ordering with the FM one prevailing in low temperatures. FM component doesn’t vanish in high temperatures which may cause the canting of AFM sublattices that can be indicated by the positive slope of M vs T curves. The change of the dominant magnetic interaction in the system is also confirmed by the analysis of MR curves. For samples with higher dopant concentrations MR value changes sign in low temperatures which can be explained by the appearance of the magnetic state transition. The ability to tune the position of FM-AFM transition by varying manganese concentration makes this compound the relevant candidate for further applications such as AFM spintronics.