Magnetoelastic coupling and magnetocaloric effect in hexagonal Mn–Fe–P–Si compounds

A strong magnetoelastic coupling has been observed in Fe2P-based hexagonal Mn–Fe–P–Si compounds. The magnitude of the magnetoelastic coupling can be tuned by varying composition. Comparing structural and magnetic properties, we realize that hysteresis and entropy change are correlated with discontinuous changes in the lattice parameters during the transition. Small hysteresis can be obtained while maintaining the giant magnetocaloric effect.