Effect of Mn substitution on the phase transition and magnetocaloric effect in Dy(Co1− x Mn x )2 alloys

Abstract: Series of Dy(Co1− x Mn x )2 alloys (x =0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.1) have been prepared by arc-melting method. All samples crystallize in single phase with C15 cubic MgCu2-type structure. The nature of phase transition was determined by the results of Arrott plots and Ac susceptibility, and no first order phase transition was observed for samples with x ⩾0.02. With the increase of Mn content, Curie temperature increases linearly, while the calculated magnetic entropy change shows an obvious decrease with a broader peak, which could be explained by the change of phase transition type. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]