Abstract
ABSTRACT The crystal structure, magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of NdCo2-xMnx (x = 0.0–0.5) compounds have been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis has revealed that all the compounds crystallize in the MgCu2-type cubic Laves phase structure (C15-type, Fd-3m). The lattice parameter a increases from 7.2987 Ǻ (x = 0.0) to 7.4020 Ǻ (x = 0.5) and the Curie temperature from 102 to 202 K as the Mn content increases to x = 0.5. Under an external field change from 0 to 5 T, a maximum magnetic entropy changes (ΔSM ) value of 8.75 J/kg K was obtained for NdCo2. With an increase of Mn content, the calculated ΔSM shows an obvious decrease with a broader peak. However, the relative refrigerating capacities (RCP) of the NdCo2–x Mn x compounds are larger than the parent compound. The Arrott curves and universal curves of the rescaled ΔSM confirmed that the NdCo2–x Mn x compounds undergo a second-order phase transition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
