Influences of Bi2O3/V2O5 Additives on the Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Lithium Ferrite

Abstract

Lithium ferrite materials with different concentrations of Bi2O3 and V2O5 additives are prepared by the conventional ceramic technique. The x-ray diffraction analysis proves that the additives do not affect the final crystal phase of the lithium ferrite in our testing range. Both Bi2O3 and V2O5 additives could promote densification and lower sintering temperature of the lithium ferrite. The average grain size first increases, and then gradually decreases with the Bi2O3 content. The maximal grain size appears with 0.25 wt% Bi2O3. The average grain size first increases, and then is kept almost unchanged with the V2O5 content. The maximal average grain size of the samples with V2O5 additive is much smaller than that of the samples with Bi2O3 additive. Furthermore, the V2O5 additive more easily enters the crystal lattice of the lithium ferrite than the Bi2O3 additive. These characteristics evidently affect the magnetic properties, such as saturation flux density, ratio of remanence Br to saturation flux density Bs, and coercive force of the lithium ferrite. The mechanisms involved are discussed.