Thermal properties of multiferroic Bi1−xEuxFeO3 (х = 0–0.40) ceramics

Abstract A study of thermal diffusion, heat capacity and thermal conductivity of multiferroic Bi 1−x Eu x FeO 3 (x = 0–0.4) within the range of 130–1200 K is reported. Modifying by admixture of Eu is found to change substantially the thermal anomalies of diffusion and thermal conductivity of the antiferromagnetic phase transition, to increase heat capacity over a wide range of temperatures and to shift the antiferromagnetic transition temperature. The excess heat capacity is shown being related to Schottky effect of three-level states. The mechanisms dominating thermal transfer of phonons at the phase transition and dependence of the mean free path of phonons on the temperature are determin…