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, T-g, 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 T-g. Therefore, the magnetocaloric properties of the composites are almost independent of the compaction pressures. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.