Low-temperature large reversible “table-like” magnetocaloric effect in HoNi0.9Cu0.1Al compound

Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of HoNi0.9Cu0.1Al have been investigated. The compound experienced two phase transitions at about 5.7 K and 11.8 K which was assumed as the combination and competence between the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic ordering components. “Table-like” magnetic entropy changes were found under low field changes. The maximum values of ΔS were –10.3 and –23.5 J/kg K with corresponding RC as 98 J/kg and 330 J/kg for field changes of 0–20 kOe and 0–50 kOe, respectively. The “table-like” ΔS, large RC, low ordering temperatures and no hysteresis loss enabled it a potential material for commercial utilization in the future.