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The recent literature concerning the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) has been reviewed. The MCE properties have been compiled and correlations have been made comparing the behaviours of the different families of magnetic materials which exhibit large or unusual MCE values. These families include: the lanthanide (R) Laves phases (RM 2 , where M = Al, Co and Ni), Gd 5 (Si 1−x Ge x) 4 , Mn(As 1−x Sb x), MnFe(P 1−x As x), La(Fe 13−x Si x) and their hydrides and the manganites (R 1−x M x MnO 3 , where R = lanthanide and M = Ca, Sr and Ba). The potential for use of these materials in magnetic refrigeration is discussed, including a comparison with Gd as a near room temperature active magnetic regenerator material.

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