Magnetic, dielectric and magnetoelectric properties in (1-x)Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 + (x)CoFe2O4 composites

Multiferroic composites of (1 - x)PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3 + (x)CoFe2O4 with x = 0.0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 1.0 are synthesized by using ball milling method. Rietveld refinement of XRD patterns confirmed the single phase formation in x = 0.0 and x = 1.0 and two distinct phase formation in x = 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 composites. SEM images explored the effect of CFO content on the grain connectivity of each phase in the prepared composites. The dielectric properties showed dielectric dispersion with increasing frequency due to interfacial polarization; whereas the dielectric constant is found to increase with increasing CFO content which is attributed to the space charge effect. AC conductivity analysis suggested the mixed polaron hopping type of conduction mechanism. Magnetic hysteresis loops exhibited ferromagnetic like behaviour, indicating the presence of ordered magnetic structure in the prepared composites. Furthermore, with increasing CFO content, the saturation magnetization, magnetostriction and strain sensitivity is found to be increased which in turn have a significant effect on the magnetoelectric coefficient. The maximum magnetoelectric coefficient of 1.45 mV cm(-1) Oe(-1) is obtained for x = 0.30 composite. Here, the observed variation in the magnetoelectric coefficient is correlated with the microstructure as well as the amount of CFO content.