Sign-reversing Magnetocaloric Effect in R2Fe10Al7 (R = Dy and Ho) Compounds.

The magnetic properties of rare-earth ferrimagnetic compounds Dy2Fe10Al7 and Ho2Fe10Al7 with a Th2Zn17 crystal structure have been studied. The temperature dependences of the magnetization and magnetocaloric effect have been examined in the temperature range of 4.2‒300 K in magnetic fields of up to 70 and 18 kOe, respectively. The temperatures of magnetic compensation of the magnetization of the rare-earth and iron sublattices have been determined. The magnetocaloric effect has been determined by the direct method. It has been found that the sign of the effect changes near the magnetic compensation point. This phenomenon has an application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]