Effect of composition on coupled electric, magnetic, and dielectric properties of two phase particulate magnetoelectric composite

Abstract

The particulate composite materials of ferrite-ferroelectric ceramics viz. nickel-cobalt-copper ferrite (i.e., Ni0.94Co0.01Cu0.05Fe2O4) and barium titanate were synthesized by the double sintering ceramic technique. The presence of constituent phases in the composites was confirmed by x-ray diffraction studies. The average grain size was calculated by using a scanning electron micrograph. The electrical properties such as dc resistivity and thermo-emf were measured as a function of temperature and volume fraction of constituent phases. The ac conductivity was calculated from dielectric data in the frequency range from 100Hzto1MHz. It is concluded that the conduction in the present composites is due to small polarons. The relative dielectric constant measured as a function of applied frequency varies with the variation in the dc resistivity and molar fraction of constituent phases. It shows dispersion in the lower frequency range. The hysteresis behavior was studied to understand the magnetic properties such as saturation magnetization (Ms) and magnetic moment (μB). The static magnetoelectric (ME) voltage coefficient was measured as a function of applied dc magnetic field. It increases first and then falls down with increasing magnetic field. The variation in ME response has been explained in terms of content of ferrite phase, resistivity of composites, and intensity of magnetic field. The maximum ME conversion factor of 637μV∕cmOe was observed for the composite with 30% Ni0.94Co0.01Cu0.05Fe2O4+70% BaTiO3. These composites may be useful as phase shifters, magnetic sensors, cables, etc.