Anisotropic characteristics and improved magnetic performance of Ca–La–Co-substituted strontium hexaferrite nanomagnets

Recent studies on next-generation permanent magnets have focused on filling in the gap between rare-earth magnets and rare-earth-free magnets, taking into account both the cost-effectiveness and magnetic performance of the magnetic materials. As an improved rare-earth-free magnet candidate, here, Ca-substituted M-type Sr-lean hexaferrite particles within a nano- to micro-scale regime, produced using an ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method, are investigated. Theoretically, the maximum coercivity (Hc) can be achieved in submicron Sr-ferrite crystals (i.e., 0.89 μm). The plate-like resultants showed a significant enhancement in Hc, up to a record high of 7880.4 Oe, with no deterioration in magnetization (M: 71–72 emu/g). This resulted in more favorable magnetic properties than those of the traditional Sr–La–Co ferrites. On the basis of microstructural analysis and fitting results based on the law of approach to saturation method, the Ca-substitution effects on the change in size and anisotropic characteristics of the ferrite particles, including pronounced lateral crystal growth and a strong increase in magnetocrystalline anisotropy, are clearly demonstrated. The cost-effective, submicron, and Ca-substituted Sr-ferrite is an excellent potential magnet and moreover may overcome the limitations of traditional hard magnetic materials.