Magnetic properties and large magnetocaloric effect in Gd–Ni amorphous ribbons for magnetic refrigeration applications in intermediate temperature range

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds 2011-06, Vol.509 (24), p.6889-6892
• Main Authors: Zhong, X.C., Tang, P.F., Liu, Z.W., Zeng, D.C., Zheng, Z.G., Yu, H.Y., Qiu, W.Q., Zou, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Curie temperature; Entropy; Exact sciences and technology; Gd–Ni amorphous alloys; Magnetic fields; Magnetic properties; Magnetic properties and materials; Magnetic refrigeration; Magnetically ordered materials: other intrinsic properties; Magnetocaloric effect; Magnetocaloric effect, magnetic cooling; Melt spinning; Physics; Refrigeration; Reinforced concrete; Ribbons
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2011.03.173

► We report that the first crystallization temperature T x1 of Gd 68− x Ni 32+ x amorphous ribbons with x = −3, 0, and 3 were 561, 568, and 562 K, respectively. ► All the samples underwent the second-order magnetic transitions at temperatures between ∼122 ( x = −3 and 3) and 124 K ( x = 0). ► The maximum isothermal magnetic entropy changes (−Δ S M) max of Gd 71Ni 29, Gd 68Ni 32, and Gd 65Ni 35 amorphous ribbons with a magnetic field change of 0–5 T were 9.0, 8.0, and 6.9 J kg −1 k −1, respectively. ► Large refrigerant capacity (RC) values were also obtained in these ribbons. For example, Gd 71Ni 29 amorphous ribbon has a maximum RC value of 724 J kg −1. ► Large magnetic entropy change and RC values, as well as high stability enable Gd 71Ni 29 amorphous ribbon to be a competitive candidate among the magnetic refrigeration materials working at temperatures near 120 K. Amorphous Gd 68− x Ni 32+ x ( x = −3, 0, 3) ribbons were prepared by melt-spinning method. The crystallization onset temperatures T x1 for Gd 68− x Ni 32+ x amorphous ribbons with x = −3, 0, and 3 are 561, 568, and 562 K, respectively. All the samples undergo the second-order magnetic transition at temperatures between ∼122 ( x = −3 and 3) and 124 K ( x = 0). The Curie temperature T C does not change with the composition significantly. The maximum isothermal magnetic entropy changes (−Δ S M) max of Gd 71Ni 29, Gd 68Ni 32, and Gd 65Ni 35 amorphous ribbons for a magnetic field change of 0–5 T were 9.0, 8.0, and 6.9 J kg −1 K −1, respectively. Large values of the refrigerant capacity (RC) were obtained in these ribbons. For example, Gd 71Ni 29 amorphous ribbon has a maximum RC value of 724 J kg −1. Large magnetic entropy change and RC values together with high stability enable the Gd 71Ni 29 amorphous alloy a competitive candidate among the magnetic refrigeration materials working at temperatures near 120 K.