Structural, electrical conduction and magnetoelectric properties of y (Ni0.3Cu0.4Zn0.3Fe2o4)+(1−y) [50% batio3 +50% PZT] ME composites

The particulate composites containing NiCuZn ferrite, barium titanate (BaTiO3) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) as constituents having the general formula of the system y (Ni0.3Cu0.4Zn0.3Fe2O4)+(1−y) (50% BaTiO3+50% PZT) with y=0.15, 0.30, 0.45 were prepared by ceramic method. The spinel and tetragonal phase formation of ferrite and ferroelectrics, respectively, was confirmed by X-ray diffraction techniques. The dc resistivity measurements were made as a function of temperature. The variation of dielectric constant (έ) and tan δ with frequency was studied in the range 20 Hz–1 MHz. It shows dielectric dispersion in lower frequency region and remains almost constant at higher frequencies. The studies of ac conductivity indicate small polarons type conduction. The static magnetoelectric sensitivity factor was measured as a function of magnetic field. All the composites show decrease in ME (Magnetoelectric) coefficient with increase in magnetic field.