Enhancement of magnetocaloric effects in La0.8R0.2(Fe0.919Co0.081)11.7 Al1.3 (R=Pr, Nd) compounds

The magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effects (MCEs) in La0.8R0.2(Fe0.919Co0.081)11.7Al1.3 (R=Pr, Nd) compounds have been investigated. When Pr and Nd substitute for La, the Curie temperature of compounds decreases. The values of the MCEs are enhanced significantly by a partial substitution of Nd for La. Under the field change of 2 and 5 T, the maximum magnetic entropy changes for La0.8Nd0.2(Fe0.919Co0.081)11.7Al1.3 compound are −4.56 and −9.46 J/Kg K, respectively. It can be exploited for room temperature magnetic refrigeration material.