Characterization of Ni–Cu–Zn Ferrite Prepared from Steel Pickling Liquor and Waste Solutions of Electroplating

Abstract

In the current research, we propose a new method to synthesize Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite powder, using the steel pickling liquor and the waste solution of electroplating as the starting materials. It is found that the Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite powder prepared by the hydrothermal process from the waste solution showed the formation of cubic ferrite with a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 31 500 Am2/g and an intrinsic coercive force (Hci) of 1536 Am−1, whereas upon annealing at 750°C for 2 h, the Ms increased to 52 600 Am2/g and the Hci reached 3406 Am−1. The toroidal specimen sintered at 950°C for 2 h presented an optimum initial permeability (μi) of 185 at 16.9 MHz, a maximum quality factor (Q) of 100 at 3 MHz. This useful technology can promote the recycling of industry waste solution and contribute to the preservation of the earth. Moreover, this technology can also decrease the manufacturing cost in the treatment of the industrial waste solution for the electroplating and steel industries.