The structural and magnetic properties of Pr1-xErxAl2.

Authors :: Pathak, Arjun K.
Gschneidner, Jr., K. A.
Pecharsky, V. K.
Source :: Journal of Applied Physics; 2015, Vol. 117 Issue 17, p17C107-1-17C107-4, 4p, 5 Graphs
Publication Year :: 2015
Abstract: We report on the effect of Er addition to PrAl<subscript>2</subscript> on the lattice parameters, magnetic behavior, heat capacity, and magnetocaloric effect by using x-ray diffraction, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. Unlike Pr<subscript>0.6</subscript>Er<subscript>0.4</subscript>Al<subscript>2</subscript>, other alloys we studied in the pseudobinary (Pr<subscript>1-x</subscript>Er<subscript>x</subscript>)Al<subscript>2</subscript> system do not exhibit a sharp peak in heat capacity with the application of magnetic field. Both the cubic lattice parameter and the Curie temperature decrease with increasing Er concentration. The nuclear specific heat coefficient decreases from 660 mJ K mol<superscript>-1</superscript> for x=0.05 to a nearly negligible value for x=0.95. The magnetic entropy and adiabatic temperature change varies from 2 to 4 J mol<superscript>-1</superscript> K<superscript>-1</superscript> and 2.5 to 5K at ΔH=20 kOe for x=0.05 to 0.95, respectively. These values of the magnetocaloric effect are comparable to those of the other rare-earth dialuminides systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]