Determination of milling parameters to obtain mechanosynthesized ZnFe2O4

In this work, the mechanosynthesis of zinc ferrite in WC vials is studied. Millings are performed under air, with a planetary ball-milling, starting from elemental oxides α-Fe2O3 and ZnO. As-milled powders are structurally and magnetically characterized by X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Milling parameters as rotational speeds of main disc and vials are particularly discussed in terms of influence on the obtaining of a pure zinc ferrite phase. These parameters have a strong influence on injected power, on radial and tangential components of the impact force. Friction phenomenon, associated with injected power, have been found to be the governing parameters of the end product.