Properties of composites with La(Fe, Si)13 hydrides and sodium silicate

Abstract We adopted sodium silicate to prepare composites of La(Fe, Si) 13 hydrides in this work. A homogenous and continuous matrix of sodium silicate was formed at a relatively low solidification temperature. No counter diffusion between the matrix and the grains of La(Fe, Si) 13 hydrides was observed. The magnetocaloric effect of pure La(Fe, Si) 13 hydrides is largely preserved in the composites, showing a high tolerance to sodium silicate. These composites possess high thermal conductivity and decent compressive strength compared with the epoxy resin bonded samples. These results suggest that sodium silicate is a promising binder material for producing bulk La(Fe, Si) 13 hydrides for their application in magnetic refrigeration.