Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in La–(Fe–Co)–Si

Hai Yen Nguyen, Thi Thanh Pham, Huu Duc Nguyen, Dang Thanh Tran, The-Long Phan, Cho Yu Seong and Huy Dan Nguyen

Abstract

In this paper we present the results of study on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of LaFe_11−xCo_xSi₂ (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) ribbons prepared by using melt-spinning method. The results show that the glass forming ability (GFA) of the alloy is considerably influenced by the addition of Co. With increasing Co-concentration of the alloy, Curie temperature (T_C) increases from ~220 K (for x = 0) to ~500 K (for x = 4). The maximum magnetic entropy change |ΔS_M|_max of the alloy, which is achieved near T_C, is larger than 1.2 J kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ (under magnetic change ΔH = 12 kOe) for all the concentrations of Co. This has a significant meaning for magnetic refrigeration applications