Mechanical and Magnetocaloric Properties the Composite Based on PMMA and Gd-Ge-Si as Reinforcement

This research work investigates a new type of polymer-based magnetocaloric composite. Using PMMA as polymeric matrix and the magnetocaloric material Gd_5.09Ge_2.03Si_1.88 as reinforcement,no influence of the presence of polymer on the magnetic properties of Gd_5.09Ge_2.03Si_1.88 were observed. Three types of composites with different PMMA content were fabricated by mixing the components and curing the composite. The composites were evaluated by their mechanical, physicochemical and morphological properties.The proposed PMMA composite MC10 presented the smallest elastic modulus but highest Vickers hardness (6.61 ± 0.08 GPa and 22.10 ± 1.29 HV, respectively). The composites showed asatisfactorymagnetocaloriceffect (MCE)“peak” of -7 J/kgK. With the results, this composite can be a potential candidate for applications as Active Magnetic Regenerator in magnetic heat pumps.

Keywords:
Magnetocaloric effect; PMMA composite; magnetic refrigeration; Active Magnetic Regenerator