Ultra-fine and homogeneous SrFe12O19 hexaferrites were synthesized by a microwave-assisted calcination route. The calcined precursors were prepared by a sol-gel auto-combustion method using Fe(NO3)(3)center dot 9H(2)O, Sr(NO3)(2) and citric acid as starting materials. The structures, powder morphology and magnetic properties of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and vibrating sample magnetometer . The results showed that microwaves are helpful to reduce the calcination temperature and shorten the calcination time. The ferrites with saturation magnetization, remanence and intrinsic coercivity of 54.80 emu/g, 29.52 emu/g and 5261Oe, respectively, were obtained in samples calcined at 800 degrees C for 80 min. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.