The magnetocaloric effect in Gd3In1−xAlx (x=0, 0.04, 0.08) alloys

• Published in: Solid state communications 2013-07, Vol.166, p.19-21
• Main Authors: Zhang, C.L., Zhu, C., Shi, H.F., Chen, J., Wang, T.Z., Xie, G.X., Han, Z.D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; D. Magnetic phase transitions; D. Magnetocaloric effect; Exact sciences and technology; Magnetic phase boundaries (including magnetic transitions, metamagnetism, etc.); Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetically ordered materials: other intrinsic properties; Magnetocaloric effect, magnetic cooling; Physics; Spin arrangements in magnetically ordered materials (including neutron and spin-polarized electron studies, synchrotron-source x-ray scattering, etc.)
• ISSN: 0038-1098; 1879-2766
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssc.2013.04.031

The crystal structure and magnetic phase transition were investigated for, Gd3In1−xAlx (x=0, 0.04, 0.08) alloys. All these samples crystallize in the Gd3Co-type orthorhombic structure at room temperature. A second-order magnetic phase transition occurs around the Curie temperature of 192K in Gd3In alloy. With the substitution of Al for In, the magnetic anisotropy decreases obviously in Gd3In1−xAlx alloys. Relatively large and highly reversible magnetocaloric effects were obtained under the low field of 10kOe, suggesting that Gd3In1−xAlx alloys are potential candidates for magnetic refrigeration at low temperatures. •Gd3In alloy crystallizes in Gd3Co-type orthorhombic structure.•Gd3In alloy experiences a second-order magnetic phase transition.•Substitution Al for In decreases the magnetic anisotropy obviously.•Relatively large and highly reversible magnetocaloric effects were observed.