The magnetic phase transitions and magnetocaloric effect in MnNi1-xCoxGe alloys

The magnetic phase transitions and the magnetocaloric effects in MnNi1-xCoxGe (x = 0.38 and 0.40) alloys were investigated. The substitution of Co for Ni in the MnNiGe antiferromagnet results in the metamagnetic transitions from antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic state, which associates with very small thermal and magnetic hystereses. Positive and negative values of magnetic entropy changes are exhibited around the metamagnetic transition temperature and Curie temperature, respectively. The relatively large refrigerant capacity in low magnetic field along with the good reversibility suggest that MnNi1-xCoxGe (x = 0.38 and 0.40) alloys are potential candidates for magnetic refrigeration. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.