Magnetic interaction between soft and hard ferrimagnetic phases in BaFe12O19 + CuFe2O4 composite

Abstract

Magnetic behavior of (with x = 1, 2, and 4) has been explored. These composites were prepared by the standard sol-gel route. X-ray diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Transmission Electron Microscopy techniques were employed to characterize the composites. The magnetic interaction between and particles in the composite has been studied by recording the M–H hysteresis loops by employing the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer technique. The role of copper ferrite in the composite has been explored. It is interesting to note that the (i.e. x =1) composite shows the maximum magnetic parameters (M s , H c , and (BH) max) among all the composite samples under study. Hence, this composition has been investigated extensively by annealing at different temperatures to optimize its magnetic properties. The + composite annealed at 1000 oC exhibits the maximum energy product (BH) max and saturation magnetization (M s ). The magnetic interaction between two different magnetic phases in the composite has been explored by using the Henkel plot study with the help of isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) and direct current demagnetization (DCD) M–H curves. The exchange coupling between soft and hard magnetic phases in the composite is also examined by the derivative of magnetization with the magnetic field.