Studies on the activation energy from the ac conductivity measurements of rubber ferrite composites containing manganese zinc ferrite

Manganese zinc ferrites (MZF) have resistivities between 0.01 and 10 Ω m. Making composite materials of ferrites with either natural rubber or plastics will modify the electrical properties of ferrites. The moldability and flexibility of these composites find wide use in industrial and other scientific applications. Mixed ferrites belonging to the series Mn_(1−x)Zn_xFe₂O₄ were synthesized for different ‘x’ values in steps of 0.2, and incorporated in natural rubber matrix (RFC). From the dielectric measurements of the ceramic manganese zinc ferrite and rubber ferrite composites, ac conductivity and activation energy were evaluated. A program was developed with the aid of the LabVIEW package to automate the measurements. The ac conductivity of RFC was then correlated with that of the magnetic filler and matrix by a mixture equation which helps to tailor properties of these composites.     

Monodispersed nanocrystalline Co1–xZnxFe2O4 particles by forced hydrolysis: Synthesis and characterization

Zinc-substituted cobalt ferrites, Co_1–xZn_xFe₂O₄, were for the first time successfully prepared by forced hydrolysis method. The obtained materials are single phase, monodispersed nanocrystalline with an average grain size of about 3 nm. These materials are superparamagnetic at room temperature and ferrimagnetic at temperature lower than the blocking temperature. When the zinc substitution increases from x=0 to 0.4, at 4.2 K, the saturation magnetization increases from 72.1 to 99.7 emu/g. The high saturation magnetization of these samples suggests that this method is suitable for preparing high-quality nanocrystalline magnetic ferrites for practical applications.     

Microwave-absorbing properties of NiCoZn spinel ferrites

In this paper, the microwave-absorbing properties of (Ni_1−x−yCo_xZn_y)Fe₂O₄ spinel ferrites have been investigated within the frequency range of 0.5–14 GHz. There are two kinds of resonance peaks observed in the permeability spectra: domain-wall resonances at lower frequency and spin-rotation resonances at higher frequency. The reflection loss (RL) calculations show that the prepared NiCoZn spinel ferrites are good electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers in microwave range. In terms of the absorbing frequency band (AFB) and the matching thickness (t_m), (Ni_0.407Co_0.207Zn_0.386)Fe₂O₄ shows the best performances: t_m=3.15 mm and the AFB is 8.64–11.2 GHz. Decreasing the weight ratio of NiCoZn ferrites in ferrites/wax composites, the matching thickness decreases and the AFB shifts to higher frequencies. Compared with the absorbers with single-layer ferrites, the absorbers with double-layers ferrites have better absorbing performances, such as a thinner matching thickness and a wider EM wave AFB.     

Zn- and Cu-substituted Co2Y hexagonal ferrites: Sintering behavior and permeability

Y-type polycrystalline hexagonal ferrites Ba₂Co_2−x−yZn_xCu_yFe₁₂O₂₂ with 0≤x≤2 and 0≤y≤0.8 were prepared by the mixed-oxide route. Single phase Y-type ferrite powders were obtained after calcinations at 1000 °C. Samples sintered at 1200 °C show a permeability that increases with the substitution of Zn for Co and display maximum permeability of μ′=35 at 1 MHz for x=1.6 and y=0.4. A resonance frequency f_r=500 MHz is observed for Zn-rich ferrites with y=0 and 0.4. The saturation magnetization increases with substitution of Zn for Co. Addition of Bi₂O₃ shifts the temperature of maximum shrinkage down to T≤950 °C. Moreover, an increase of the Cu-concentration further lowers the sintering temperature to T≤900 °C, enabling co-firing of the ferrites with Ag metallization for multilayer technologies. However, low-temperature firing reduces the permeability to μ′=10 and the resonance frequency is shifted to 1 GHz. Thus substituted hexagonal Y-type ferrites can be used as soft magnetic materials for multilayer inductors for high frequency applications.     

Mössbauer study of Zn2+ and Sn4+ additives in Nickel ferrites

The Mössbauer study of Fe⁵⁷ in polycrystalline solid solutions of Ni_{1 + x ? y}Zn_ySn_xFe_{2 ? 2x}O₄ (y = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and x = 0.1 to 0.5 with x varying in steps of 0.1) has been made. The present work has been aimed at investigating the variation of isomer shift, nuclear magnetic field at Fe⁵⁷ nuclei and ionic distribution at tetrahedral and octahedral sites when the concentration of Zn²⁺ and Sn²⁺ ions is successively increased in nickel ferrites. The ionic distribution in samples having low tin concentration has been explained on the basis of Neel's molecular field model whereas the ionic distribution of samples having high tin and zinc concentration has been explained on the basis of formation of isolated superparamagnetic clusters at the octahedral site. It has been inferred that a larger substitution of zinc and tin ions enhances relaxation effects.     

Magnetoresistive properties of Zn1−xCoxFe2O4 ferrites

The magnetic and magnetoresistive properties of spinel-type Zn_1−xCo_xFe₂O₄ (x=0, 0.2 and 0.4) ferrites are extensively investigated in this study. A large negative magnetoresistance (MR) effect is observed in Zn_1−xCo_xFe₂O₄ ferrites of spinel structure. These materials are either ferrimagnetic or paramagnetic at room temperature, and show a spin-(cluster) glass transition at low temperatures, depending on the chemical compositions. The MR curves as a function of magnetic fields, MR(H), are parabolic at all temperatures for paramagnetic polycrystalline ZnFe₂O₄. The MR for ZnFe₂O₄ at 110 K in the presence of 9 T applied magnetic field is 30%. On the other hand, MR(H) are linear for x=0.2 and 0.4 ferrimagnetic Zn_1−xCo_xFe₂O₄ samples up to 9 T. The MR effect is independent of the sintering temperatures, and can be explained with the help of the spin-dependent scattering and the Yafet–Kittel angle of Zn_1−xCo_xFe₂O₄ mixed ferrites.     

Study of magnetic and structural properties of ferrofluids based on cobalt-zinc ferrite nanoparticles

Ferrofluids are colloidal systems composed of a single domain of magnetic nanoparticles with a mean diameter around 30 nm, dispersed in a liquid carrier. Magnetic Co_(1−x)Zn_xFe₂O₄ (x=0.25, 0.50, 0.75) ferrite nanoparticles were prepared via co-precipitation method from aqueous salt solutions in an alkaline medium. The composition and structure of the samples were characterized through Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) studies permitted determining nanoparticle size; grain size of nanoparticle conglomerates was established via Atomic Force Microscopy. The magnetic behavior of ferrofluids was characterized by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM); and finally, a magnetic force microscope was used to visualize the magnetic domains of Co_(1−x)Zn_xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction patterns of Co_(1−x)Zn_xFe₂O₄ show the presence of the most intense peak corresponding to the (311) crystallographic orientation of the spinel phase of CoFe₂O₄. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the bonds associated to the spinel structures; particularly for ferrites. The mean size of the crystallite of nanoparticles determined from the full-width at half maximum of the strongest reflection of the (311) peak by using the Scherrer approximation diminished from (9.5±0.3) nm to (5.4±0.2) nm when the Zn concentration increases from 0.21 to 0.75. The size of the Co-Zn ferrite nanoparticles obtained by TEM is in good agreement with the crystallite size calculated from X-ray diffraction patterns, using Scherer's formula. The magnetic properties investigated with the aid of a VSM at room temperature presented super-paramagnetic behavior, determined by the shape of the hysteresis loop. In this study, we established that the coercive field of Co_(1−x)Zn_xFe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles, the crystal and nanoparticle sizes determined by X-ray Diffraction and TEM, respectively, decrease with the increase of the Zn at%. Finally, our magnetic nanoparticles are not very hard magnetic materials given that the hysteresis loop is small and for this reason Co_(1−x)Zn_xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are considered as soft magnetic material.     

The structure and magnetic properties of Zn1−xNixFe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles prepared by sol–gel auto-combustion

Zn_1−xNi_xFe₂O₄ ferrite nanoparticles were prepared by sol–gel auto-combustion and then annealed at 700 °C for 4 h. The results of differential thermal analysis indicate that the thermal decomposition temperature is about 210 °C and Ni–Zn ferrite nanoparticles could be synthesized in the self-propagating combustion process. The microstructure and magnetic properties were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and Vibrating sample magnetometer. It is observed that all the spherical nanoparticles with an average grain size of about 35 nm are of pure spinel cubic structure. The crystal lattice constant declines gradually with increasing x from 0.8435 nm (x=0.20) to 0.8352 nm (x=1.00). Different from the composition of Zn_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄ for the bulk, the maximum M_s is found in the composition of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ for nanoparticles. The H_c of samples is much larger than the bulk ferrites and increases with the enlarging x. The results of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ annealed at different temperatures indicate that the maximum M_s (83.2 emu/g) appears in the sample annealed at 900 °C. The H_c of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ firstly increases slightly as the grain size increases, and presents a maximum value of 115 Oe when the grains grow up to about 30 nm, and then declines rapidly with the grains further growing. The critical diameter (under the critical diameter, the grain is of single domain) of Zn_0.3Ni_0.7Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles is found to be about 30 nm.     

Nanostructural,magnetic and Mössbauer studies of nanosized Co1−xZnxFe2O4 synthesized by co-precipitation

This work presents a systematic investigation on the structural and magnetic properties of Co_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ (0.5<x<0.75) nanoparticles synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. The X-ray diffraction analysis, the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer were carried out at room temperature to study the micro-structural and magnetic properties. The X-ray measurements revealed the production of a broad single cubic phase with the crystallite size within the range of 6–10 nm. The FTIR measurements between 400 and 4000 cm⁻¹ confirmed the intrinsic cation vibrations of the spinel structure. The magnetic measurements show that the saturation magnetization and coercivity decrease by increasing the zinc content. Furthermore, the results reveal that the sample with a chemical composition of Co_0.3Zn_0.7Fe₂O₄ exhibits the super-paramagnetic behavior and the Curie point of 97 °C.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Co1−xZnxFe2O4 nanoparticles by co-precipitation method

Co_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were prepared by co-precipitation method with x varying from 0 to 1.0. The powder samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The average crystallite sizes of the particles were determined from XRD. X-ray analysis showed that the samples were cubic spinel. The average crystallite size (D_aveXR) of the particles precipitated was found to vary from 6.92 to 12.02 nm decreasing with the increase in zinc substitution. The lattice constant (a_o) increased with the increase in zinc substitution. The specific saturation magnetization (M_S) of the particles was measured at room temperature. The magnetic parameters such as M_S, H_c, and M_r were found to decrease with the increase in zinc substitution. FTIR spectra of the Co_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ with x varying from 0 to 1.0 in the range 400–4000 cm⁻¹ were reported. The spinel structure and the crystalline water adsorption of Co_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles were studied by using FTIR.     

Impact of zinc substitution on the structural and magnetic properties of chemically derived nanosized manganese zinc mixed ferrites

Mn_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (x=0-1) were synthesized by wet chemical co-precipitation techniques. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were effectively utilized to investigate the different structural parameters. The elemental analysis was conducted using energy-dispersive spectrum and inductively coupled plasma analysis. The magnetic properties such as magnetization and coercivity were measured using vibrating sample magnetometer. The observed magnetization values of the nanoparticles were found to be lower compared to the bulk counterpart. The magnetization showed a gradual decrease with zinc substitution except for a small increase from x=0.2 to 0.3. The Curie temperature was found to be enhanced in the case of ferrites in the nanoregime. The variation in lattice constant, reduced magnetization values, variation of magnetization with zinc substitution, the presence of a net magnetic moment for the zinc ferrite and the enhancement in Curie temperature in Mn_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ all provide evidence to the existence of a metastable cation distribution together with possible surface effects at the nanoregime.     

Effect of magnesium substitution on dielectric and magnetic properties of Ni-Zn ferrite

The dielectric and magnetic properties of Mg incorporated Ni-Zn spinel ferrites have been investigated. Ni_0.5−xZn_0.5Mg_xFe₂O₄ ferrites have been prepared by sol-gel auto-combustion technique. The as prepared ferrites were annealed at 673, 873 and 1073 K. The X-ray diffraction studies reveal the spinel structure of annealed ferrites. The TEM results are in agreement with XRD results. FTIR study has also been carried out to get insight into the structure of these ferrites. The dielectric measurements show that the dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (tan δ) and conductivity (σ_ac) increase on incorporation of Mg in the Ni-Zn ferrite. ε′, tan δ and σ_ac also show dependence on temperature, frequency of external applied electric field and microstructure of the samples. The magnetic moment measurements reveal that the saturation magnetization (M_s) increases and coercivity (H_c) decreases with the increase in concentration of Mg²⁺ ions. M_s and H_c also show dependence on the annealing temperature.     

Reentrant spin glass behavior and large initial permeability of Co0.5−xMnxZn0.5Fe2O4

A series of polycrystalline ferrites having nominal chemical composition Co_0.50−xMn_xZn_0.5Fe₂O₄ (0<x<0.4) have been synthesized by the solid-state reaction technique. The XRD analysis confirms single phase cubic spinel structure for all compositions. Lattice constant increases from 0.84195 to 0.84429 nm with the increasing Mn content and obeys Vegard's law. The average grain size increases by increasing both Mn content and sintering temperatures. Room temperature saturation magnetization increases for x=0.1 and decreases for increasing Mn content. The coercivity decreases with increasing Mn content due to the decrease of anisotropy constant. A reentrant spin glass behavior of these samples is observed from the zero field cooled magnetization measurements. The real part of the initial permeability increases by increasing both Mn content and sintering temperatures. This is due to the homogeneous grain growth and densification of the ferrites. The highest initial permeability 137 is observed for x=0.4 sintered at 1573 K on the other hand, the highest relative quality factor (2522) is obtained for the sample Co_0.2Mn_0.3Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ sintered at 1523 K. The Mn substituted Co_0.50−xMn_xZn_0.5Fe₂O₄ ferrites showed improved magnetic properties.     

Structural and magnetic properties of nano-crystalline Ni–Zn ferrites synthesized using egg-white precursor

Nano-crystalline nickel–zinc ferrites of different compositions; Ni_1−xZn_xFe₂O₄ (x=0.0–1.0) were prepared by a precursor method involving egg-white and metal nitrates. An appropriate mechanism for the egg-white-metal complexation was suggested. Differential thermal analysis-thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), vibrating sample magnetometer and AC-magnetic susceptibility measurements were carried out to investigate chemical, structural and magnetic aspects of Ni–Zn ferrites. XRD confirmed the formation of spinel cubic structure. The average crystallite size was calculated using line broadening in XRD patterns. Structural parameters like lattice constant, X-ray density, bond lengths and inter-cationic distance were determined from XRD data. TEM showed agglomerated particles with average size agreed well with that estimated using XRD. FT-IR spectra confirm the formation of spinel structure and further lends support to the proposed cation distribution. Zn-content was found to have a significant influence on the magnetic properties of the system. The changes in the magnetic properties can be attributed to the influence of the cationic stoichiometry and their occupancy in the specific sites.     

Effect of zinc concentration on the structural,electrical and magnetic properties of mixed Mn–Zn and Ni–Zn ferrites synthesized by the citrate precursor technique

Mixed manganese-zinc and nickel-zinc ferrites of composition Mn_0.2Ni_0.8−xZn_xFe₂O₄ where x=0.4$x=0.4$, 0.5 and 0.6 have been synthesized by the citrate precursor technique. Decomposition of the precursor at temperatures as low as 500 °C gives the ferrite powder. The ferrites have been investigated for their electrical and magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization, initial permeability, Curie temperature, AC-resistivity and dielectric constant as a function of sintering temperature and zinc content. Structural properties such as lattice parameter, grain size and density are also studied. The mixed compositions exhibited higher saturation magnetizations at sintering temperatures as low as 1200 °C. While the Curie temperature decreased with zinc content, the permeability was found to increase. The AC-resistivity ranged from 10⁵–10⁷ Ω cm and decreased with zinc content and sintering temperature. The dielectric constants were lower than those normally reported for the Mn–Zn ferrites. Samples sintered at 1400 °C densified to about 94% of the theoretical density and the grain size was of the order of about 1.5 μm for the samples sintered at 1200 °C and increased subsequently with sintering temperature.     

Magnetic and Mössbauer studies of Ni substituted Li-Zn ferrite

Li-Zn ferrites substituted with Ni having the compositional formula Li_0.4−0.5xZn_0.2Ni_xFe_2.4−0.5xO₄ where x=0.02?x?0.1 in steps of 0.02 were fabricated by the citrate precursor method. This method has been employed to get nanosized particles and good magnetic properties. The spinel phase structure of the prepared ferrites was confirmed by XRD analysis. The effect of Ni concentration on magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization and Curie temperature were investigated. A good knowledge of these magnetic properties is desirable from application point of view. The values observed are large and both quantities were found to decrease with substitution. The saturation magnetizations were found to vary from 78 to 94 emu/gm while the Curie temperature which limits the operating temperature of the system ranges between 563 and 584 °C. Mössbauer data were also recorded at room temperature and the hyperfine parameters like isomer shift, quadrupole splitting and internal magnetic field estimated. The results obtained and mechanisms involved are discussed.     

Magnetic,electronic and structural properties of ZnxFe3−xO4

A series of samples Zn_xFe_3−xO₄ have been prepared by the chemical coprecipitation technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD demonstrates all the samples of Zn_xFe_3−xO₄ have a spinel structure same as Fe₃O₄. The magnetic hysteresis loops of Zn_xFe_3−xO₄ obtained from VSM indicate that the saturation magnetization has a maximum when x is ∼1/3. The chemical states of Fe atoms and Zn atoms in zinc ferrites have been measured using XPS and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). The Fe 2p core-level XPS spectra and Zn L₃M₄₅M₄₅ Auger peaks have been analyzed and the results have been discussed in correlation with the samples’ magnetic properties. These results suggest most of Zn atoms occupy the tetrahedral sites and a small amount of them occupy the octahedral sites.     

Microstructure characterization and magnetic behavior of NiAlxFe2−xO4 and Ni1−yMnyAl0.2Fe1.8O4 ferrites

NiAl_xFe_2−xO₄ and Ni_1−yMn_yAl_0.2Fe_1.8O₄ ferrites were prepared by the conventional ceramic method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The single spinel phase was confirmed for all prepared samples. A proper explanation of data is possible if the Al³⁺ ions are assumed to replace Fe³⁺ ions in the A and B sites simultaneously for NiAl_xFe_2−xO₄ ferrites, and if the Mn²⁺ ions are assumed to replace Ni²⁺ ions in the B sites for Ni_1−yMn_yAl_0.2Fe_1.8O₄ ferrites. Microstructural factors play an important role in the magnetic behavior of Ni_1−yMn_yAl_0.2Fe_1.8O₄ ferrites with large Mn²⁺ content.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ni-Zn ferrite nanoparticles

Nickel zinc ferrite nanoparticles Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ (x=0.1, 0.3, 0.5) have been synthesized by a chemical co-precipitation method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, dc magnetization and ac susceptibility measurements. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the synthesis of single crystalline Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ nanoparticles. The lattice parameter decreases with increase in Ni content resulting in a reduction in lattice strain. Similarly crystallite size increases with the concentration of Ni. The magnetic measurements show the superparamagnetic nature of the samples for x=0.1 and 0.3 whereas for x=0.5 the material is ferromagnetic. The saturation magnetization is 23.95 emu/g and increases with increase in Ni content. The superparamagnetic nature of the samples is supported by the EPR and ac susceptibility measurement studies. The blocking temperature increases with Ni concentration. The increase in blocking temperature is explained by the redistribution of the cations on tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) sites.     

Influences of Fe-deficiency on electromagnetic properties of low-temperature-fired NiCuZn ferrites

Low-temperature-fired NiCuZn ferrites with the formula Ni_0.45Cu_0.2Zn_0.35Fe_2−xO_4−3/2x with x values ranging from 0.00 to 0.25 in steps of 0.05 and sintered at 900 °C have been investigated in the present work. It was found that the content of Fe-deficiency could obviously influence the microstructure, sintering behavior, saturation magnetization, permeability and permittivity spectra properties of the ferrites. The variations were much different from those of the high-temperature-fired NiZn ferrites. And the corresponding mechanisms involved were discussed in detail. All-around consideration, the NiCuZn ferrite with 0.10 Fe-deficiency in composition had the best performances on sintering behavior and electromagnetic properties.