Phase analysis and magnet properties of ZnxFe(3-x)O4 prepared by milling process

Abstract

Phase analysis and magnetic properties of Zn_xFe_(3-x)O₄ (x = 0,25; 0,50; 0,75 and 1,0) have been done. The synthesis of Zn_xFe_(3-x)O₄ was carried out using a solid reaction with the _xZnO : _(3-x)Fe₂O₃ material composition (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0) according to the mole ratio of each, then milling for 5 hours and then sintered at a temperature of 1200 °C for 3 hours. Phase identification with XRD (X-ray Diffractometer) shows that Zn_xFe_(3-x)O₄ milling results form the diffraction peak of the NiFe₂O₄ and Fe₂O₃ phases, the greater the value of x (the Zn atom content) the less Fe₂O₃ % phase while the % phase ZnFe₂O₄ is getting bigger and even for x = 1.0 only ZnFe₂O₄ phase is formed (ZnFe₂O₄ formed 100% or single phase). Surface morphological observations with SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) show the formation of an increasingly homogeneous structure along with the addition of Zn²⁺ ion content and varying sizes ranging from 1 µm to 100 nm. The properties magnetic of ZnFe₂O₄ with VSM (vibrating sample magnetometer) showed that the sample behave ferromagnetically with Ms higher (in the range 1.89 - 21.10 emu/g) while the Hc value is smaller (in the range 243 - 107 Oe) with the addition of Zn²⁺ ion content. Thus, the presence of the Fe₂O₃ phase can decrease the magnetic properties of the material.