The LaFe11.2Co0.7Si1.1Cx carbides for magnetic refrigeration close to room temperature

The influence of carbon on the structural, magnetic, and magnetocaloric properties of LaFe11.2Co0.7Si1.1Cx compounds was investigated. The Curie temperature increases with increasing the carbon content. The maximum magnetic entropy changes under a magnetic field change of 5 T are about 14.5, 9.8, and 8.3 J/kg K for x = 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, respectively. A composite material based on LaFe11.2Co0.7Si1.1Cx was proposed for magnetic systems using Ericsson cycle for refrigeration close to room temperature. The obtained entropy change of the composite remains approximately constant in this temperature range. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.