Zero-field cooled exchange bias effect in LaxSm1−xCrO3 (x=0–0.9) ceramics

• The zero-field cooled exchange bias is investigated in LaxSm1−xCrO3 ceramics.
• The exchange bias effect is enhanced after field cooling processes.
• A schematic diagram is used to understand the spontaneous exchange bias effect.

The zero-field cooled exchange bias (ZEB) and conventional field cooled exchange bias (CEB) effects are investigated in single phase bulk SmCrO3 ceramics below the spin reorientation transition temperature. The ZEB field is found to be ~5.065 kOe at 20 K, revealing a large value compared with other ZEB systems. Nonmagnetic La3+ as a dopant is introduced into the system to confirm the influence of Sm3+ on the ZEB effect. A schematic diagram based on the coupling between the internal magnetic sublattices of Sm3+ and Cr3+ is used to understand the ZEB effect.