Effect of Al Addition on the Glass-Forming Ability and Magnetic Properties of a Gd-Co Binary Amorphous Alloy

The glass-forming ability (GFA) and magnetic properties of the Gd50Co50-based amorphous alloy with Al addition substitution for Co are investigated. It is found that the GFA and magneto-caloric effect of the Gd50Co45Al5 amorphous alloy are better than Gd50Co50 amorphous alloy. The maximum magnetic entropy change (-Delta S-m(peak)) and the magnetic refrigerant capacity of the amorphous alloy under a field of 5T are about 6.64 J.kg(-1)K(-1) and 764 J.kg(-1), respectively. The field dependence of magnetic entropy change meets the one predicted by the mean field theory, which is investigated for a better understanding of the magneto-caloric behaviors of the Gd50Co45Al5 amorphous alloy.