A new type of La(Fe,Si)13-based magnetocaloric composite with amorphous metallic matrix

We report on novel magnetocaloric composites based on La(Fe,Si)13 particles in an amorphous metallic matrix. Hot compaction at the glass transition temperature, Tg, of the matrix prevents crack formation as commonly occurs in conventional hot-compacted La(Fe,Si)13 material. This damage can affect the magnetocaloric performance. The approach in the present paper shows that the La(Fe,Si)13 particles stay intact due to the buffer-effect of the amorphous and ductile matrix at Tg. Therefore, the magnetocaloric properties of the composites are almost independent of the compaction pressures.