Investigation on the exchange coupling behavior of hard–soft (Sr0.8Co0.2Fe9.8Gd0.2O19)x/(ZnFe2O4)1-x nanocomposites for permanent magnet applications
摘要
Magnetic nanocomposites comprising Sr0.8Co0.2Fe9.8Gd0.2O19 (SCFGO) and ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) phases were synthesized via auto-combustion technique. The effects of variation in the weight percentage of hard and soft ferries on the structural and magnetic properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the complete phase formation of hexaferrite and spinel ferrite without the existence of secondary phases. The TEM analysis showed the aggregated particles with rod and non-spherical shapes with an average particle size measured as Davg = 120 nm. The magnetic responses were assessed utilizing a Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). The magnetic interaction between SCFGO and ZFO in the composite has been investigated by the switching field distribution (SFD) curve. A distinct sharp peak of the SFD curve confirmed the robust exchange coupling behavior between the two phases. The magnetic saturation of the nanocomposites showed an enhancement with the incorporation of ZFO content, reaching a maximum value of 53.44 emu/g at the sample with a ratio of x = 0.9, while the sample with ratio x = 0.8 showed high magnetocrystalline anisotropy (Keff) of 2520.21 × 102 J/m3. The reduced crystallite sizes of hard phase decreased magnetization volume, lowering Remanence (Mr), and the squareness ratio indicating the composites possess uniaxial anisotropy. Notably, the sample with a ratio of x = 1 demonstrated impressive magnetic characteristics, with a coercivity of 4956 Oe and a maximum energy product (BH)max of 11.97 kJ/m3, highlighting its potential for applications in permanent magnets.