Entalpy of Mixing, Microstructure, Structural, Thermomagnetic and Mechanical Properties of Binary Gd-Pb Alloys

The aim of the present work is to study the phase composition, microstructure and magnetocaloric effect of binary Gd100-xPbx (where x = 5, 10, 15 and 20) alloys. The XRD and SEM/EDX analysis confirmed a biphasic structure built by Gd(Pb) and Gd5Pb3 phases. The analysis of M vs. T curves showed the evolution of the Curie point of recognized phases. The temperature dependences of magnetic entropy change revealed two maxima corresponding to the recognized phases. The analysis of the exponent n (ΔSMmax = C(Bmax)n) confirmed the multiphase composition of the produced alloys. The same behavior was also observed in investigations of mechanical properties.