Magnetocaloric effect in ErNi2 melt-spun ribbons

Abstract ErNi2 ribbons were produced by rapid solidification using the melt spinning technique. Their structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties in the as-solidified state were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, magnetization and specific heat measurements. Samples are single phase with the MgCu2-type crystal structure, a Curie temperature TC of 6.8 K and a saturation magnetization at 2 K and 5 T of 124.0 A·m2/kg. For a magnetic field change μoΔH of 5 T (2 T) ribbons show a maximum magnetic entropy change |ΔSMpeak| of 24.1 (16.9) J/(kg·K), and an adiabatic temperature change ΔTadmax of 8.1 (4.4) K; this is similar to the previously reported literature for bulk alloys that were processed through conventional melting techniques followed by prolonged thermal annealing. In addition, the samples also show slightly wider ΔSM(T) curves with respect to bulk alloys leading to a larger refrigerant capacity.