Properties of the GdTX (T = Mn, Fe, Ni, Pd, X = Al, In) and GdFe6Al6 intermetallics

The magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of GdTX (T = Mn, Fe, Ni, Pd, X = Al, In) and GdFe6Al6 ternary compounds for possible applications in magnetic refrigeration have been investigated. Magnetization measurements have been performed in the temperature range of 2-400K and magnetic field range of 0-7 T. The magnetic entropy changes Delta S-m have been calculated indirectly from the magnetization measurements. The calculated values of entropy change Delta S-m for examined compounds amount -13.63 J/K kg, -13.05 J/K kg, -6.13 J/K kg, -3.72 J/K kg, -1.38 J/K kg and -0.94 J/K kg, respectively, for GdNiAl, GdPdAl, GdPdIn, GdFeAl, GdFe6Al6 and GdMnAl at 7 T. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.