Phase formation and magnetocaloric effect in (Pr,Nd)-Fe alloys prepared by rapidly quenched method

In this work, Pr2-xNdxFe17 (x = 0 - 2) ribbons with thickness of about 15 mu m were prepared by melt-spinning method. The alloy ribbons were then annealed at different temperatures (900- 1100 degrees C) for various time (0.25 - 2 h). The formation of the (Pr,Nd)2fei7 (2:17) crystalline phase in the alloys strongly depends on the Pr/Nd ratio and annealing conditions. Annealing time for the completed formation of the 2:17 phase in the rapidly quenched ribbons is greatly reduced in comparison with that of bulk alloys. Curie temperature, T-C, of the alloys can be controlled in room temperature region by changing Pr/Nd ratio. Maximum magnetic entropy change (vertical bar Delta S-m vertical bar(max)) and full width at haft the maximum peak (FWHM) of the magnetic entropy change of the alloys were respectively found to be larger than 1.5 J.kg(-1)K(-1) and 40 K in room temperature region with magetic field change Delta H = 12 kOe.