Abstract
•The effect of the size reduction on the magnetocaloric properties (MCE) is analyzed.•The dependence of MCE on the grain size is explained in terms of core–shell model.•The RCP values are comparable with the commercial magnetic refrigerant materials.•La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 could be considered as a potential magnetic refrigerant.•The magnetic phase transition is analyzed quantitatively using the Landau theory.
The effect of the particle size reduction on ferromagnetic (FM) phase transition and magnetocaloric properties of the perovskite manganite La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 was studied. Indeed, it has been proven that the maximum of entropy change (−ΔSMmax) and the relative cooling power (RCP) are strongly affected by the particle size. The measured entropy change (ΔSM) was analyzed using Landau theory. The obtained results have been explained in terms of core–shell model. Moreover, H12 (La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 annealed at 1200°C) having large RCP and ΔSM values could be an interesting cooling material.