Synthesis of fine ferrite particles from powder mixtures by using well-controlled thermal plasmas

Abstract

This chapter discusses the synthesis of fine ferrite particles from powder mixtures by using well-controlled thermal plasmas. Synthesis of ferrite particles from powder mixtures of Fe2O3, ZnO, NiO and CuO is studied by using the newly designed thermal plasma reactor. Using this reactor, i.e. thermal plasma processing, ferrite particles with high purity are synthesized directly from powder mixtures under various processing conditions. It is also confirmed that ferrite particles with sufficient magnetization value as ferrite carriers for electrophotography are prepared and collected in the downstream region. Thermal plasma processing using a plasma jet with high speed and high heat capacity is one of the most promising methods for synthesizing new materials. Since thermal plasma processing is, in general, governed by a large number of parameters, implementation of controls becomes mandatory.