Preparation and magnetic properties of SrFe12O19/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite ferrite microfibers via sol–gel process

SrFe12O19/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite ferrite microfibers with diameters of 1–2 μm have been prepared by the sol–gel process. The SrFe12O19/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite ferrites are formed after the precursor calcined at 850 °C for 2 h, fabricating from nanosized particles with a uniform phase distribution. The ferrite grain size increases with the calcination temperature. The magnetic properties for the nanocomposite ferrite microfibers are mainly influenced by the chemical composition and grain size. The nanocomposite ferrite microfibers obtained at 900 °C show the enhanced specific saturation magnetization (Msh) of 64.8 Am2 kg−1, coercivity (Hc) of 146.5 kA m−1 and remanence (Mr) of 33.6 Am2 kg−1 owing to the exchange–coupling interaction. This exchange–coupling interaction in the SrFe12O19/Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite ferrite microfibers has been discussed.

Research highlights▶ The nanocomposite ferrite microfibers were prepared by the sol–gel process. ▶ The microstructure of the nanocomposite ferrite microfibers was characterized. ▶ The nanocomposite ferrite microfibers show enhanced magnetic properties.