Near Room Temperature Magnetocaloric Response of an (FeNi)ZrB Alloy

Mechanical alloying of (Fe₇₀Ni₃₀)₈₉Zr₇B₄ powders leads to the formation of a γ-FeNi phase. In order to obtain single γ-phase, a powdered sample was solution annealed in the γ-phase field and water quenched. The Curie temperature of this powder was slightly higher than room temperature. The refrigerant capacity calculated for this alloy, RC_FWHM ~ 330 J·kg^-1 for 5 T, is comparable to other prominent room temperature magnetocaloric materials, making this alloy a good candidate for magnetic refrigeration near room temperature with additional benefits that is non-rare earth containing and less expensive than many alternatives.