Magnetism, magnetocaloric and magnetostrictive effects in RCo₂ - type (R = Tb, Dy, Ho) laves phase compounds

This work presents the results of a comparative analysis of the thermal, magnetic, magnetocaloric and magnetostrictive properties of the Dy0.42Ho0.42Tb0.16Co2, Dy0.5Ho0.5Co2 and TbCo2 compounds. All studied compounds have the MgCu2-type Laves phase structure at room temperature. Dy0.5Ho0.5Co2 and TbCo2 demonstrate first- and second-order transitions from a paramagnetic state to a magnetically ordered one, respectively. Special attention is given to determining the order of magnetic phase transition in a multicomponent compound with three rare earth elements (Tb, Dy and Ho). Features of the magnetocaloric effect and magnetostriction of (Tb,Dy,Ho)Co-2 compounds have been studied in magnetic fields up to 14 T and in wide temperature range (4.2 - 300 K). The joint manifestation of significant magnetocaloric and magnetovolume effects at the Curie temperature can be useful for a variety of technical applications.