Unveiling the Magnetic, Magnetocaloric and critical behaviour of melt spun Lanthanum Iron Silicon Alloys: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

This article provides a thorough examination of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) and critical behaviour of lanthanum iron silicon (La-Fe-Si) alloys, which were produced using arc melting and melt spinning techniques. The alloys' structural, morphological, and magnetic properties are meticulously characterised using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) to evaluate their potential as magnetic refrigerants. The alloys' magneto-caloric parameters are determined using phenomenological modelling and experimental measurements, resulting in an exceptional accord between the simulated and measured values. The temperature of the transition from paramagnetic to ferromagnetic is precisely determined to be 208 K. The examined alloy shows an exceptional magnetic entropy change of 17.33 J/kgK which is higher compared to the reported works. In addition, the universal curve and Arrott plots of the MCE unequivocally verified a second-order phase transition. This investigation offers invaluable insights into the fundamental magnetic mechanisms and MCE of the La-Fe-Si alloys, emphasising their potential for use in magnetic refrigeration technology.