Successive magnetic transitions with large refrigerant capacity in arc-melted Mn3−xFexSn2 (x = 0.3, 0.7) alloys

• Published in: Journal of magnetism and magnetic materials 2022-01, Vol.541, p.1, Article 168466
• Main Authors: Perween, Sonam, Lalita, Rathi, A., Pant, R.P., Gahtori, B., Babu, P.D., Basheed, G.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Critical exponents; Electric arc melting; Ferromagnetism; Magnetic refrigeration; Magnetic transitions; Magneto-caloric effect; Phase transitions; Refrigerants
• ISSN: 0304-8853; 1873-4766
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmmm.2021.168466

This work investigates the magneto-caloric effect and critical behavior in Mn3−xFexSn2 (x = 0.3, 0.7) alloys synthesized by arc melting method. The alloys show two successive second order magnetic phase transitions at TC1≈ 254 K (261 K) and TC2≈ 205 K (185 K), respectively for x = 0.3 (0.7). The modified Arrot plot study around paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition at TC1 reveals the critical exponent, β = 0.397 (0.378) with long-range of magnetic interactions for x = 0.3 (0.7). Importantly, the magneto-caloric study for x = 0.3 (0.7) gives large refrigerant capacity (RC) of 330 (250) J/kg at 5 T applied magnetic field. The large RC value and two successive magnetic transitions makes these earth abundant-based Mn3−xFexSn2 alloys highly promising for magnetic refrigeration in a wide temperature span. •Pnma type Mn3−xFexSn2 (x = 0.3, 0.7) alloys are firstly successively synthesized by arc melting method.•The critical exponents are confirmed by various methods and found in agreement with each other.•Critical exponent study reveal the long-range of magnetic interactions for alloys.•The refrigerant capacity (RC) is significant for refrigerant applications in wide temperature range.