1:13 phase formation mechanism and first-order magnetic transition strengthening characteristics in (La,Ce)Fe13–x Si x alloys

Abstract

The effects of the introduction of Ce to La1−xCexFe11.5Si1.5 alloys on 1:13 phase formation mechanism, the first-order magnetic phase transition strengthening characteristics, and magnetocaloric property were studied, respectively. The results show that the formation mechanisms of 1:13 and LaFeSi phases in La1−xCexFe11.5Si1.5 alloys are the same as those of Ce2Fe17 and CeFe2 phases in Ce–Fe binary system, respectively. The substitution of Ce in 1:13 phase which is limited can make the first-order magnetic phase transition characteristics strengthen, which can make thermal and magnetic hysteresis increase, the temperature interval of temperature-induced phase transition decrease, and the critical magnetic field of field-induced magnetic phase transition (HC) increase, respectively. Owing to the lattice shrink of 1:13 phase with the increase in Ce content, the Curie temperatures (TC) show a linear decrease. The maximum change in magnetic entropy gradually increases due to the decrease in temperature interval of temperature-induced phase transition, but the relative cooling capacities are all about 80 J·kg−1 at magnetic field of 2 T.