We have investigated the magnetic transition and magnetocaloric effects of Mn 1+x Co 1 x Ge alloys by tuning the ratio of Mn/Co.With increasing Mn content,a series of first-order magnetostructural transitions from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic states with large changes of magnetization are observed at room temperature.Further increasing the content of Mn (x=0.11) gives rise to a single second-order magnetic transition.Interestingly,large low-field magnetic entropy changes with almost zero magnetic hysteresis are observed in these alloys.The effects of Mn/Co ratio on magnetic transition and magnetocaloric effects are discussed in this paper.
The effects of Y substitution on the magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of(Gd1-xYx)3Al2(x=0-0.3) alloys were investigated by X-ray diffraction and magnetization measurements.All samples crystallized in single phase with Zr3Al2-type tetragonal structure.The lattice parameters and magnetic transition temperature decreased obviously with increasing Y content.The magnetic entropy change and refrigerant capacity of these alloys were calculated.The adjustable transition temperature and favorable properties of magnetocaloric effect made these alloys potential candidate as magnetic refrigerant in the temperature range of 190-290 K.
