Magnetocaloric properties of Gd(Co1-xFex)2 compounds, with x ≤ 0.60

Abstract

In this paper the results of specific magnetization and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) measurements for Gd(Co1-xFex)2 system upon the Co substitution by Fe for the x = 0 ÷ 0.60 range are presented. Phase composition was controlled by X-ray diffraction analysis. MCE has been studied within the temperature range of 300-850 K in magnetic fields up to 17 kOe by the magnetic entropy change calculation (ΔSm). It was found that in contrast to the previously studied R(Co-Fe)2 compounds where R = Dy, Ho, Er, an ordinary symmetrical peak of ΔSm(T) in the vicinity of TC is observed for presented samples. Additionally, the MCE comparison of Gd(Co0.88Fe0.12)2 with that for the isostructural Gd(Ni0.88Fe0.12)2 compound having a plateau-like ΔSm temperature dependence is given. The obtained results are discussed.