Magnetic properties of high purity scandium and the effect of impurities on these properties

Abstract

The magnetic susceptibility of single and polycrystalline Sc has been measured from approximately 1.5 to 300°K. The metal used is believed to be more thoroughly characterized and of significantly higher purity than that used in previous studies. Sc was found to exhibit excellent Curie-Weiss behavior above 70°K. A previously unreported maximum was found at 30°K. The effect of nonmagnetic impurities, including O, H, Fe, Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, and Th, on the susceptibility of Sc was found to be quite pronounced. The behavior of dilute Gd and Er impurities in the Sc matrix was also investigated.