Magnetocaloric effect in (Tb,Dy,R)(Co,Fe)2 (R Ho, Er) multicomponent compounds

Abstract

The magnetic, magnetocaloric, and magnetoelastic properties of Tb xDyyRz(Co,Fe)2 (R Ho, Er; x + y + z 1) single-phase alloys prepared by arc melting were investigated. The high-purity samples with various compositions were used for the study, and a comprehensive investigation of the properties was performed. The measurements of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) were carried out by a direct method; and the magnetostriction was determined using the strain-gauge technique. In the vicinity of the magnetic phase transition, an abrupt change of the magnetization, a large MCE, and the maxima of volume magnetostriction were observed for the compounds studied. Obtained results of MCE in (Tb,Dy)Co 2 agree well with available theoretical calculations. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.