Thermomagnetic properties improved by self-organized flower-like phase separation of ferromagnetic Co ₂Dy _0.5Mn _0.5Sn

A thermodynamically stable phase separation of Co ₂Dy _0.5Mn _0.5Sn into the Heusler compound Co ₂MnSn and Co ₈Dy ₃Sn ₄ is induced by rapid cooling from the liquid phase. The phase separation forms an ordered flower-like structure on the microscale. The increased scattering of phonons at the phase boundaries reduces the thermal conductivity and thus improves thermoelectric and spincaloric properties.