Magneto-Caloric Response of a Gd₅₅Co₂₅Al₁₈Sn₂ Bulk Metallic Glass

The magneto-caloric effect (MCE) of a Gd₅₅Co₂₅Al₁₈Sn₂ bulk metallic glass (BMG) is investigated. The Gd₅₅Co₂₅Al₁₈Sn₂ as-cast rod prepared by a water-cooled copper mold suction casting method exhibits typical amorphous characteristics. The maximum magnetic entropy change (?ΔS_m^peak) and the magnetic refrigerant capacity (R_C) of the BMG under a field of 5 T are about 9.32 J?kg^?1?K^?1 and 832 J?kg^?1, respectively, both of which are larger than the values of the Gd₅₅Co₂₅Al₂₀ BMG. The mechanism for the improved MCE by minor Sn addition is studied and the field dependence of ?ΔS_m^peak is investigated for a better understanding on the magneto-caloric behaviors of Gd₅₅Co₂₅Al₁₈Sn₂ BMG.