Optimizing the structure and magnetic properties of SmCo nanoferrites synthesized by auto-combustion processing techniques

•SmCo nanoferrite successfully prepared in cubic structure via flash autocombustion.•Doping of samarium ions leads to decrease of particle size.•The critical concentration x=0.03 gives the optimum magnetic properties.•This sample is good for recording devices and digital image printing applications.•Enhanced Hc and Mr, good for high density recording media and digital image printing.

Nano-particles of polycrystalline SmxCoFe2−xO4; 0≤x≤0.04 were prepared using flash auto-combustion method. It was obtained as dried powder after the successful chemical reaction of their respective metal nitrates solutions in the presence of urea as fuel. Synthesis of materials in single phase cubic spinel is determined using XRD analyses. The structure and composition of Sm doped Co–ferrite were analyzed and the nanosize was confirmed by TEM micrograph. The magnetic susceptibility (χM) and hysteresis studies revealed the magnetic behavior through analysis of the change in Curie temperature (TC), saturation magnetization (Ms), effective magnetic moment (µeff), and coercivity (Hc) of these nanomaterials.