Theoretical investigations on magnetocaloric effect in Er_1−yTb_yAl₂ series

We report on the magnetic and magnetocaloric effect calculations in rare earth Er_1−yTb_yAl₂ compounds (y=0.00, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00). Our model Hamiltonian has contributions of the crystalline electrical field anisotropy in both Er and Tb magnetic sublattices, disorder in exchange interactions among Er–Er, Tb–Tb and Er–Tb magnetic ions and the Zeeman effect. The magnetization, the isothermal entropy change (ΔS_T) and the adiabatic temperature change (ΔT_ad) dependence on temperature were simulated and, compared with the experimental data available. - Highlights: • Modeling Er_(1−y)Tb_yAl₂ intermetallic compounds. • Magnetic entropy changes in Er_(1−y)Tb_yAl₂. • Adiabatic temperature changes in Er_0.75Tb_0.25Al₂ and Er_0.65Tb_0.35Al₂ compounds