STRUCTURAL AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF MgFeCrO4 FERRITE NANOPARTICLES

In this paper, we have synthesized MgFeCrO4 ferrite Nanoparticles by using sol-gel auto combustion method and calcined for 3h at 600, 700, 800 and 900 degrees C. Investigating the prepared ferrites, we have employed different characterization methods such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrum (EDS), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The XRD patterns of the synthesized samples revealed all the major peaks corresponding to the single spinel structure and once the calcination temperature was elevated, the diffraction peaks became sharper, narrower and more intense. The nanoscale of the synthesized ferrite was identified by FE-SEM investigation and revealed some agglomerated of spherical shape morphology. EDS spectra showed peaks corresponding to the elements Mg, Fe, Cr, and O and all prepared samples exhibited the chemical composition similar to the proposed stoichiometric formula. The TGA analysis for the sample calcined at 700 degrees C indicated the decomposition of precursors. The crystallization of ferrite was completed at above 600 degrees C. The VSM results showed that the magnetic properties were centered on the calcination temperature; thus, as the calcination temperature elevated, the saturation magnetization decreased and coercivity increased. Consequently, the value of remanence magnetization increased at the calcination temperature from 700 to 800 degrees C and then dropped at 900 degrees C.