Simulating selected magnetic properties of Tb _x Pr_{1− x} Al₂, a magnetocaloric compound

Abstract

TbxPr1-xAl2 are ferrimagnetic materials exhibiting magnetocaloric effect that have gained considerable attention due to their potential use as an alternative in refrigeration, magnetic sensors and in information storage technology. Here using the mean field approach numerical simulations were conducted for x=0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.75, to analyse selected physical properties, such as X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, magnetization and heat capacity. The simulations successfully reproduced the experimental data providing a comprehensive characterization and improved understanding of this family of compound.