Magnetocaloric effect in Gd60Al25(NiCo)15 bulk metallic glass

• Published in: Journal of non-crystalline solids 2019-10, Vol.521, p.119506, Article 119506
• Main Authors: Uporov, S., Bykov, V., Uporova, N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bulk metallic glass; Magnetization; Magnetocaloric effect; Structure; Thermal analysis
• ISSN: 0022-3093; 1873-4812
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2019.119506

Magnetic cooling technology is a very promising alternative to conventional vapor compression refrigeration systems. Searching for suitable magnetocaloric materials with improved properties is a key issue in this field. In this work, we report thermal, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of the Gd60Al25(NiCo)15 bulk metallic glass. A completely amorphous sample of 3 mm in diameter is successfully fabricated by a vacuum suction casting method. The alloy demonstrates the distinct glass transition and near-eutectic melting. Magnetic measurements reveal ferromagnetic ordering in the BMG at about 91 K. We have found a field-induced magnetic transition in the glass, which provides a table-like behavior for the magnetic entropy changes. Due to this metamagnetic effect, the BMG demonstrates excellent magnetocaloric effect over a wide temperature range. The values of relative cooling power (RCP) and the full width of half maximum of magnetic entropy change (ΔTFWHM) under a magnetic field of 5 T are 890 J × kg−1 and 141 K, respectively. All that makes this glass a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration applications working at liquid‑nitrogen temperatures. •A 3 mm-diameter Gd60Al25(NiCo)15 bulk metallic glass rod is successfully fabricated.•This metallic glass shows good glass-forming ability and near-eutectic melting.•A magnetic field induced transition is found in the material.•A table-like behavior for the magnetic entropy changes is revealed.•The value of RCP is approximately 900 J/kg under a field of 5 T.