Magnetic and Magnetocaloric Properties of MnFe$_4$Si$_{3-x}$In$_x$

The magnetocaloric effect has attracted pressing curiosity for its application in magnetic refrigeration because it presents an alternative to current refrigeration technology that is more efficient and environmentally friendly. Previous research on the Mn$_{5-x}$Fe$_x$Si$_3$ system has shown that magnetic entropy changes are enhanced in the MnFe$_4$Si$_3$ compound [1]. We have prepared samples of MnFe$_4$Si$_{3-x}$In$_x$ in order to investigate how In substitution for Si affects the properties of this system. Samples were prepared by arc melting and annealed for 5 days at 900$^{\circ}$C and the crystal structure of each sample was systematically studied through X-ray diffraction techniques to determine phase purity. Then the system was investigated by measuring magnetization as a function of temperature and magnetic field. Here we report on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the pseudo ternary MnFe$_4$Si$_{3-x}$In$_x$ system for x = 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5, and discuss its applicability in magnetic refrigeration.\\[4pt] [1] Songlin, Dagula, O. Tegus, E. Br\"uck, J.C.P. Klaasse, F.R. de Boer, K.H.J. Buschow, J. Alloys Compd. 334 (2002) 249.