Sn-bonded LaFe11.6Si1.4Hy magnetocaloric composites with a 3-d Ni-coating steel substrate formed by hot-pressing

Abstract Novel LaFe 11.6 Si 1.4 H y magnetocaloric composites were prepared with Sn powder and a 3-d Ni-coating steel substrate using a hot-pressing technique. By selecting low-melting-point pure Sn powder as an adhesive, and a 3-d Ni-coating steel substrate as the supporting skeleton, the LaFe 11.6 Si 1.4 H y magnetocaloric composites exhibited good mechanical properties, a strong magnetocaloric effect (MCE), and a high thermal conductivity. The magnetic entropy change of the LaFe 11.6 Si 1.4 H y magnetocaloric composites was optimised by adjusting the Sn concentration. By controlling the Sn concentration, the 0.7 mm-thickness LaFe 11.6 Si 1.4 H y magnetocaloric composites with 10 wt.% Sn powder had a porosity of as low as 4.5 %, a thermal conductivity of 8 W m −1 K −1 , and a magnetic entropy change of 7.9 J kg −1 K −1 , a magnetic entropy change of 7.9 J kg −1 K −1 , and adiabatic temperature change of 6.4 K.