Phase analysis and magnetocaloric properties of Zr substituted Gd-Si-Ge alloys

► Zr addition in Gd5Si2Ge2 alloy has been investigated for the first time to reduce the 5:3-type (Gd5Si3) secondary phase formed when using commercial grade elements in Gd5Si2Ge2 alloy. ► It is interesting to observe that Zr addition decrease the volume fraction 5:3. ► The refrigerator capacity and transition temperature of Zr added alloy is greater than the pure Gd5Si2Ge2 which makes this alloy promising for room temperature application.