The influence of Dy additions on the magnetocaloric effect in Gd0.97V0.03 alloys

The influence of Dy on the magnetocaloric effect in Gd0.97 − xDyxV0.03 (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) alloys has been studied. These alloys were prepared by arc melting on a water-cooled copper hearth under an argon atmosphere. The magnetization behavior has been analyzed by X-ray diffraction and a vibrating sample magnetometer. Results indicate that the Curie points of Gd0.97 − xDyxV0.03 alloys decrease linearly with increasing content of Dy. The values of maximum magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) and relative cooling power (RCP) for x = 0 ∼ 0.2 is larger than that of Gd alone over a wider temperature range. The Gd0.97 − xDyxV0.03 alloys have promising potential as working substance candidates for magnetic refrigeration due to their tunable Curie temperature and the favorable properties of the magnetocaloric effect.