Large magnetic entropy change in melt-spun LaFe11.5Si1.5ribbons

The microstructure transformation and the magnetic entropy change of LaFe 11.5 Si 1.5 melt-spun ribbons were investigated. The melt-spun ribbons show a homogeneous distribution of elements, and the homogeneity develops further after 5 h annealing. XRD results show that the ribbons are composed of NaZn 13 -type LaFe 11.5 Si 1.5 compounds and an α-Fe phase. After annealing, the ribbons crystallize well in the NaZn 13 -type structure and exhibit a very large magnetic entropy change. A first-order magnetic transition is observed in the annealed ribbons, and this is believed to be the origin of the large magnetic entropy. These results suggest that NaZn 13 -type LaFe 11.5 Si 1.5 compounds with a large magnetic entropy change can be produced by melt-spinning, the annealing time can be shortened significantly and the production cost of the magnetic refrigerant will be cut down accordingly.