Direct measurement of the magnetocaloric effect in cementite

Measurements of the magnetocaloric effect of cementite at its Curie temperature of 475K are presented. An adiabatic temperature change of 1.76±0.01K was measured using a direct measurement technique. The isothermal entropy change was determined from measurements of magnetisation isotherms and was shown to be 3.07JK−1kg−1 in a field change of 2T. The field dependencies of both magnetocaloric properties follow the H2/3 dependence typical for ferromagnetic materials with a second order phase transition. The material may be of interest in magnetocaloric applications such as magnetic refrigeration or thermomagnetic power generation. [Display omitted] •The magnetocaloriceffect of Fe3C was investigated at its Curie temperature of 475K.•First direct measurement of adiabatic temperature change in cementite.•ΔTad=1.77K and ΔS=3.07JK−1kg−1 in 2T.•MCE follows H2/3 dependence typical for second order phase transition.•Possible applications include magnetic refrigeration and heat power conversion.