Magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in La–(Fe–Co)–Si

In this paper we present the results of study on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of LaFe11?xCoxSi2 (x?=?0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) ribbons prepared by using melt-spinning method. The results show that the glass forming ability (GFA) of the alloy is considerably influenced by the addition of Co. With increasing Co-concentration of the alloy, Curie temperature (TC) increases from ?220?K (for x?=?0) to ?500?K (for x?=?4). The maximum magnetic entropy change |?SM|max of the alloy, which is achieved near TC, is larger than 1.2?J?kg?1?K?1 (under magnetic change ?H?=?12?kOe) for all the concentrations of Co. This has a significant meaning for magnetic refrigeration applications.