Low-field inverse magnetocaloric effect in Ni50-xMn39+xSn11 Heusler alloys

The low-field magnetic entropy changes in Ni50-xMn39+xSn11 alloys (x=5, 6, and 7) were investigated. The martensitic transition shifts to lower temperature with the increase of Mn concentration. Under an applied magnetic field of 10 kOe, the magnetic entropy changes are 6.8, 10.1, and 10.4 J/kg K, for x=5, 6, and 7, respectively. The large entropy change in Ni50-xMn39+xSn11 can be attributed to the sharp magnetization change associated with the martensitic transition from a ferromagnetic parent phase to a weak-magnetic martensitic phase. The large low-field magnetic entropy change and low cost suggest Ni50-xMn39+xSn11 alloy as the promising magnetic refrigerant. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.