Synthesis and properties of Pr-substituted MgZn ferrites for core materials and high frequency applications

A series of single phase spinel ferrites having chemical formula Mg0.5Zn0.5PrxFe2−xO4 (x=0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) were prepared using the sol-gel technique after sintering at 700 °C. The thermal decomposition behavior of an as prepared powder was investigated by means of DTA/TGA analyses. The sintered powders were then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope and vibrating sample magnetometer. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the single phase spinel structure of prepared ferrites without the presence of any impurity phase. The value of lattice parameter (a) increases with the increase of Pr contents (x) into the spinel lattice. The grain size estimated from electron microscope images is in the range of 2.75-5.4 µm which confirms the spinel crystalline nature of the investigated samples. The saturation magnetization (Ms) decreases whereas coercivity (Hc) increases with the increase of Pr contents (x). The measured parameters suggest that these materials are favorable for high frequency applications and as core materials.