Structure and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline Ni_0·64Zn_0·36Fe₂O₄ powders prepared by ball milling

Abstract

In this study, nanocrystalline Ni_0·64Zn_0·36Fe₂O₄ powders were prepared using a planetary ball mill. The evolution of the microstructure and magnetic properties during the milling were studied by X-ray diffraction technique, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometre. It is revealed from the results of the phase analysis that nanocrystalline Ni_0·64Zn_0·36Fe₂O₄ ferrite with average crystallite size of 6·18 nm and non-uniform lattice strain of 0·33% has been formed after 60 h of milling time. A progressive increase of saturation magnetisation and a dramatic decrease in coercivity were also observed with increasing milling time.

Keywords:

• Ni–Zn ferrite
• Nanocrystalline
• Magnetic properties
• Ball milling

The authors would like to thank the Shiraz University for providing support to this research.