Annealing effects on the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline zinc ferrite

• Published in: Physica. B, Condensed matter Vol. 319; no. 1; pp. 116 - 121
• Main Authors: Tung, L.D, Kolesnichenko, V, Caruntu, G, Caruntu, D, Remond, Y, Golub, V.O, O’Connor, C.J, Spinu, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.07.2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Annealing; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Fine-particle systems; Magnetic properties; Magnetic properties and materials; Nanocrystalline zinc ferrite; Physics; Small particles and nanoscale materials; Studies of specific magnetic materials; Annealing; Nanocrystalline zinc ferrite; Magnetic properties; Temperature dependence; Particle size; Inorganic compounds; Magnetization; Ternary compounds; Magnetic annealing; Transition element compounds; Zinc oxides; Ferrites spinels; Anisotropy; Iron oxides; Nanocrystal
• ISSN: 0921-4526; 1873-2135
• DOI: 10.1016/S0921-4526(02)01114-6

The effects of annealing on the magnetic properties of nanocrystalline ZnFe 2O 4 have been studied. The as-prepared sample ZnFe 2O 4 with the particle size of about 3 nm presents a relatively low blocking temperature of about 6 K as derived from the peak of the zero-field-cooled curve measured in a SQUID. Under the effect of annealing, the particle size significantly increases. Up to the annealing temperature of 800°C, the blocking temperature is found to increase with increasing particle size, whereas the (effective) anisotropy constant K A decreases. The latter effect is attributed to the smaller contribution of the surface anisotropy when the particle size increases.