Analysis of heat capacity and magnetothermal properties of the La0.775Gd0.225Mn2Si2 compound

We study magnetothermal properties of the La0.775Gd0.225Mn2Si2 compound. The magnetic contribution to the heat capacity is estimated by zero-field and 0.5 T magnetic field data. According to Arrott plot, the La0.775Gd0.225Mn2Si2 has a second order transition at a Curie temperature (TC) and a first order transition at a lower temperature. The λ-type peak in the heat capacity data also confirms the second order transition at the Curie temperature. We determined the electronic, magnetic and lattice contributions to the heat capacity. In addition, Debye temperature and N(EF) are estimated by heat capacity data as a function of temperature under zero and 0.5 T magnetic field.

► The 1st order AF–FM transition in R1−xR′xMn2Si2 is observed in C(T).
► This transition should occur in a narrow temperature range to observed in C(T).
► Analysis of zero field C(T) data evidences crystal field effect in this compound.