Tuning the magnetocaloric response of Gd7-xYxPd3 (2 ≤ x ≤ 6) alloys by microstructural modifications

•The Gd7-xYxPd3 alloys in various forms utilizing mould casting and melt-spinning.•The influence of microstructure on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties.•Quenched-in structural disorder determines properties in both series of alloys.•For rc-cast samples two distinct magnetic transitions are visible.