Critical behavior and magnetic entropy change in the La0.6Sr0.4Mn0.8Fe0.1Cr0.1O3 perovskite

Critical behavior in the La_0.6Sr_0.4Mn_0.8Fe_0.1Cr_0.1O₃ ceramics was studied using magnetization methods. Results show that the paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition is of second order. Based on the critical behavior analysis using the Banerjee criterion and the Kouvel–Fisher method, we find the critical exponents: β=0.395±0.010, γ=1.402±0.010, and δ=5.208±0.007, for which the magnetic interaction is satisfied within the three-dimensional Heisenberg model. Results indicate the presence of short-range interactions. The magnetic entropy change (−ΔS_M) reached maximum values of 1.75, 1.45, 1.15, 0.8 and 0.43 J Kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ under a magnetic field variation of 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 T, respectively. Nevertheless, these (−ΔS_M) values are much low for any potential application at this moment. The nature of this phenomenon is discussed in relation to the characteristics of the magnetic phase transition and critical exponents.