Fabrication and electromagnetic properties of flake ferrite particles based on diatomite

Hexagonal ferrite BaZn1.1Co0.9Fe16O27 coated surfaces of diatomite flakes of low density were synthesized by a sol–gel method. The phase structures, morphologies, particle size and chemical compositions of the composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show that hexagonal ferrite coated diatomite flakes can be achieved, and that the coating consisted of BaZn1.1Co0.9Fe16O27 nanoparticles. The vibranting sample magnetometer results reveal that the flake ferrite particles have static magnetic properties. The complex permeability and permittivity of the composites were measured in the frequency range of 1–18 GHz. The microwave absorption properties of these ferrite particles are discussed. The results indicate that the flake ferrites have the potential to be used as a lightweight broad band microwave absorber.

► We synthesize the flake ferrite particles using diatomite as a template.
► Flake ferrite particles' coating layers are constituted by BaZn1.1Co0.9Fe16O27 nanoparticles.
► Flake ferrite particles have good static magnetic properties.
► Flake ferrites are a kind lightweight broad band microwave absorber.