Magnetocaloric effect in La_1−<i>x</i>Ag_<i>y</i>MnO₃(<i>y</i>⩽<i>x</i>): direct and indirect measurements

Abstract

For the first time the magnetocaloric properties of La0.9Ag0.1MnO3, La0.8Ag0.2MnO3, La0.85Ag0.15MnO3, La0.8Ag0.15MnO3 and La0.8Ag0.1MnO3 manganites have been investigated by direct and indirect measurement techniques. All samples showed almost the same relative cooling power (RCP). Temperatures of maxima of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) are between a few degrees below freezing and the room temperature region. The compounds showed RCP values of about 100 J kg−1 at a field change of 2.6 T, which is about half the RCP of gadolinium. Because of considerable MCE and the Curie temperatures ranging from 269 to 303 K, these materials could be used as magnetic refrigerants for magnetic refrigeration in the sub-room and room temperature range.