Large magnetic entropy change in La(Fe,Co)(11.83)Al-1.17 - art. no. 012409

Large magnetic entropy change with comparable magnitude to that of pure Gd has been observed in compounds La(Fe1-xCox)(11.83)Al-1.17 (x = 0.06,0.08) a t their Curie temperatures of similar to 273 K and similar to 303 K, respec tively. These compounds are of a cubic NaZn13-type structure with soft ferr omagnetism. The magnetic entropy change is reversible in the whole experime ntal temperature range from similar to 230 to similar to 330 K. The most in teresting feature is that the Curie temperature can be easily tuned by adju sting the substitution of Co fur Fe. It is suggested that the present compo unds are suitable candidates for magnetic refrigerants in a wide range near room temperature. The calculated DeltaS curve in the molecular held approx imation is in a satisfactory agreement with the experimental one.