Multiferroic properties of Ni ferrite—PLZT composites

The ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of (x) NiFe2O4 [NFO]+(1−x) Pb0.93La0.07(Zr0.60Ti0.40)O3 [PLZT] composites, where (x=0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, and 1) synthesized using double sintering ceramic method were studied. Structural analysis of these composites using X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques confirms presence of both the phases in the composite without any impurity or intermediate phase. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images recorded in backscattered mode was used to study the microstructure and investigate connectivity scheme in composites. Observation of well saturated ferroelectric hysteresis loops for PLZT phase and their composites, and magnetic hysteresis loops for NFO and composites samples confirms the ferroelectric and magnetic nature of the samples. The magnetoelectric (ME) coefficient (dE/dH) was noted as a function of dc magnetic field for two different orientations viz. transverse and longitudinal and different content of magnetostrictive–piezoelectric phases. Maximum value of static ME voltage coefficient obtained for transverse orientation was 8.9 mV/cm∗Oe in 15% NFO+85%PLZT bulk composites.