Magnetic Properties And Magnetocaloric Effect In Nd5si3 Compound

The structure and magnetic properties of Nd5Si3 compound have been investigated. A reversible magnetic entropy change was observed at about 112 K accompanied with a second-order magnetic transition from the ferromagnetic to paramagnetic state. The maximum value of -Delta S-M is 5.0 J kg(-1) K-1 at 112 K for a magnetic field change of 50 kOe. The relatively large magnetic entropy change and broad working-temperature span (about 57 K) of the reversible magnetocaloric effect make the present compound a potential candidate for the practical magnetic refrigeration in this temperature range. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3359811]