Anomalous magnetoresistance and magnetocaloric behaviour in layered intermetallic compound NdRu2Si2.

The magnetoresistance (MR) and magnetocaloric properties of naturally occurring layered compound NdRu 2 Si 2 with a Néel temperature T N = 24 K have been investigated in the temperature range 60 ≥ T ≥ 1.8 K. It has been shown that a high external magnetic field greatly modifies the MR properties of the compound which in its low temperature ferromagnetic state (T < 10 K) exhibits an unusual positive MR instead of being negative. Although, the magnetocaloric investigations at this field and temperature range further indicates that the compound is in a predominantly ferromagnetic state. With the lowering of temperature, the MR value changes from a negative 34% near T N to a positive 5% at 5 K. Magnetocaloric (MCE) investigations on NdRu 2 Si 2 exhibit two well defined peaks corresponding to the magnetic transitions. A table like MCE behaviour has been observed in the temperature range from 5 K to 45 K. • Magnetization, transport and magnetotransport properties of NdRu 2 Si 2 have been studied. • Magnetotransport and magnetocaloric properties have been compared. • External magnetic field greatly modifies the magnetoresistance behaviour of the compound. • Unusual positive MR observed in low temperature ferromagnetic state. • Table like magnetocaloric behaviour have been observed, promising for rare earth based refrigerants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]