Synthesis and magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles in polycarbosilane ceramic matrix

Composite materials comprised of a ceramic matrix with metal-containing nanoparticles were prepared by sintering a blend of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles and polycarbosilane. Sintering process was performed either in air or argon, resulting in different material composition. The air-sintering materials consist mainly of oxide phases (silica matrix and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles). The process of sintering in argon leads to partial reduction of oxides and formation of α-Fe, carbide and silicate phases. The prepared samples were characterized by the SEM, TEM, XRD and EMR techniques and the Mössbauer spectroscopy. Static magnetic properties were also studied. All samples were found to be soft magnetic. Sintering, especially in argon, increases remnant magnetization of resulting composite products.