Magnetic refrigerant and process for producing the same

Abstract

A cast magnetic refrigerant having a composition represented by Ln.sub.a A.sub.b M.sub.c wherein Ln is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb; A is any one of elements of Al and Ga; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Ag; each of a, b and c is atomic %, with the proviso that a+b+c=100 atomic %, 20 atomic % .ltoreq.a.ltoreq.80 atomic %, 5 atomic % .ltoreq.b .ltoreq.50 atomic %, 5 atomic % .ltoreq.c.ltoreq.60 atomic %, and having an amorphous structure with a difference .DELTA.T of 10K or more between a glass transition temperature Tg and a crystallization temperature Tx.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.