Influence of Addition of Nanoparticles of Magnetic Phase on Structural, Microstructural and Dielectric Properties of Multiferroic Composites

Abstract

In this paper, effect of addition of nano-particles of Nickel zinc ferrite on structural, microstructural, dielectric properties of multiferroic composite with compositional formula (x) Ni_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄ + (100-x) Ba_0.95Sr_0.05TiO₃ (NZF-BST) (where x = 10, 20, 30, 40 wt.%) has been studied. Nanoparticles of NZF have been prepared by the co-precipitation method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis shows that NZF nanoparticles exhibit square and rod like structure. X-ray analysis along with Rietveld refinement confirms increase in lattice constant of both the phases BST and NZF in the composite samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicates NZF nanoparticles enter in spaces between consecutive BST grains resulting in their greater interfacial contact. In composite sample, with x = 40 wt. %, NZF nanoparticles are arranged in a flower like pattern in BST grains. Composite sample with x = 20 wt. % possesses highest value of dielectric constant. Dielectric peak corresponding to Curie temperature of BST, get suppressed with increase in content of NZF nanoparticles.

Keywords:

• Composite
• nanoparticles
• ferroelectric