The large low-field magnetic entropy changes in Ni43Mn46Sn11-xSbx alloys

A series of Ni43Mn46Sn11-xSbx (x = 0, 1, and 3) alloys were prepared by an arc melting method. The martensitic transition shifts to higher temperature with the increasing Sb content. The isothermal magnetization curves and Arrott plots around martensitic transition temperatures show a typical metamagnetic behavior. Under a low applied magnetic field of 10 kOe, large magnetic entropy changes around the martensitic transition temperature are 10.4, 8.9, and 7.3 J/kg K, for x = 0, 1, and 3, respectively. The origin of the large magnetic entropy changes and potential application for Ni43Mn46Sn11-xSbx alloys as working substances in magnetic refrigeration are discussed. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.