Near room temperature LaFe₁₁.₆Si₁.₄/PrₓCo₇ magnetocaloric composites with excellent mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract

LaFe11.6Si1.4/10wt%PrxCo7 (x = 1, 2, 3, 5) magnetocaloric composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and diffusion annealing. The phase composition, microstructure, magnetic, mechanical and thermal properties were studied. The addition of PrxCo7 binder can be used to tune the phase fraction and magnetic properties. Pr2Co7 binder promoted the formation of 1:13 phase. LaFe11.6Si1.4/10wt%Pr2Co7 composites possess the highest 1:13 content (~ 89 wt%). The Curie temperature (TC) can be tuned in the technologically useful range of 280–347 K. Relatively large maximum magnetic entropy change (− ∆SM)max (2 T) of 1.45−3.16 J/kg K and refrigeration capacity (RC) (2 T) of 117–137 J/kg were obtained. These composites exhibit superior compressive strength of 1005–1250 MPa and excellent thermal conductivity of 17.68–27.77 W/m K. Thus, LaFe11.6Si1.4/10wt%PrxCo7 magnetocaloric composites possess excellent mechanical and thermal properties, with adjustable magnetic properties and have the potential application for near room temperature magnetic refrigeration.