Giant magnetocaloric effect in Tm-based bulk metallic glasses

We report that the maximum magnetic entropy change Delta S-m, of Tm39Ho16Co20Al25 metallic glass can reach 18.3 Jkg(-1) K-1 under 5 T, which is larger than that of any previously reported metallic glasses and comparable with that of the giant magnetocaloric effect material Gd5Si2Ge2 compound. Even under low magnetic field of 2 T, the Delta S-m of the glass can reach 10.3 Jkg(-1) K-1 which is even larger that of most of other metallic glasses under 5 T. The excellent magnetocaloric effect and refrigerant efficiency together with unique mechanical and physical properties of the metallic glasses indicate they are promising candidate for magnetic refrigerants. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.