Magnetic properties improvement through exchange-coupling in hard/soft SrFe12O19/Co nanocomposite

In this paper, an exchange spring magnet with a new composition and improved magnetic performance was prepared and investigated. Accordingly, SrFe12O19/Co nanocomposite with various hard/soft magnetic phase ratios were prepared and inspected. Due to importance of particle size control in establishing full exchange coupling behavior and avoiding oxidation of cobalt nanoparticles, non-aqueous polyol method was exerted to prepare the nanocomposite. In order to investigate structural and morphological properties, X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy were employed and it was confirmed that polyol method performed well in size control and avoiding formation of impurities. Vibrating sample magnetometer was utilized for analyzing magnetic properties and single-phase magnetization behavior implied that nanocomposite components were appropriately exchange coupled. Investigations proved that nanocomposite with 15% mass ratio of soft phase demonstrated highest exchange coupling interactions.