Magnetocaloric effect of compounds in the Gd5Si2-xGe2-xSn2x system

Magnetization of magnetically ordered compounds in the Gd5Si2-x Ge2-x Sn-2x system with partial substitution of silicium and germanium atoms by isovalent stannum atoms has been investigated. Based on the temperature and field dependences of magnetization for Gd5Si2-xGe2-xSn2x alloys with 2x = 0-0.1 the maximal changes of the magnetic part of entropy Delta S (M) (max) of alloys are determined. It is found that stannum doping leads to the increase in Curie temperature values T (c) and Delta S (M) (max) of alloys. Almost a twofold increase in Delta S (M) (max) is observed with the increase in T (c) by Delta T (c) a parts per thousand 15K. The obtained data allow to conclude that the above mentioned compounds have high magnetocaloric effect and are promising for their use as a working substance in magnetic refrigerators.