Magnetic entropy change of V substituted Ni–Mn–Ga Heusler alloy

The magnetization behaviors have been analyzed for Ni54Mn21−xVxGa25 (x = 0,2,4) alloys which were prepared by conventional arc melting method in argon atmosphere. The Curie temperature TC was found to be 325, 300, and 265 K and the austenitic transition temperature TA on heating was found to be 315, 217, and 124 K for x = 0, 2, and 4, respectively. The magnetic characteristics were performed with a Quantum Design superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer in the field of up to 20 kOe. A large magnetic entropy change ΔSM, which is calculated from H versus M curves associated with the ferromagnetic-paramagnetic transitions, has been observed. The maximum ΔSM for an applied field of 2.0 T is 2.49, 1.92, and 1.81 J/kg K for x = 0, 2, and 4, respectivel