Magnetocaloric effects in intermetallic compounds

Nowadays, there is a great deal of interest in using the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) for refrigeration, from room temperature to the temperatures of hydrogen and helium liquefaction. Owing to its high efficiency and environmental friendliness, room-temperature magnetic refrigeration has been demonstrated to be a promising alterative for conventional vapor-cycle refrigeration. It has been reported that the lanthanide (R) Laves phases (RM2, where M = Al, Co and Ni), materials exhibit an excellent magnetocaloric effect (MCE) near room temperature. The magnetic properties and MCE in Tb8Coi6.xAlx compounds is reported. The cobalt behavior is analyzed in spin fluctuation model. The potential use of these materials in magnetic refrigeration is discussed.