Effect of magnetic polarons on the magnetic, magnetocaloric, and magnetoresistance properties of the intermetallic compound HoNiAl

Abstract

The magnetic, magnetocaloric, and magnetoresistive properties of the polycrystalline compound HoNiAl have been studied. The temperature variations of magnetization and heat capacity show that the compound undergoes two magnetic transitions, one at 14K and the other at 5K. The former is due to the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition, while the latter is attributed to the onset of an antiferromagnetic ordering, as the temperature is lowered. The M-H isotherm obtained at 2K shows a metamagnetic transition with a critical filed of about 13kOe. The maximum values of isothermal magnetic entropy change and adiabatic temperature change, for a field change of 50kOe, are estimated to be 23.6J∕kgK and 8.7K, respectively. The relative cooling power is found to be about 500J∕kg for a field change of 50kOe. A large magnetoresistance of about 16%, near the ordering temperature of 14K, is observed for a field of 50kOe. The magnetic, magnetocaloric, and magnetoresistance data seem to suggest the presence of magnetic polarons in this compound.