Effect of Sintering on Co-precipitated Nanoparticles of Mn Ferrite

Abstract

Soft ferrites are useful for various applications due to their high resistivity and low eddy current losses. Nanoferrites of manganese (MnFe₂O₄) were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method. Synthesis conditions were optimized for phase purity. The prepared MnFe₂O₄ were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and AC and DC measurements for electrical conductivity and advantageous transient plane source (ATPS) method for thermal transport properties (thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity). The XRD results confirmed the spinel structure of as-prepared nanoferrites. Samples were sintered at 750°C for 2 h, and after sintering, the structure of the material changed from spinel to garnet. The sintering procedure was repeated for five times and its effect was observed on Mn ferrite nanoparticles. These materials are useful for various purposes of applications, e.g., as a core material to increase the efficiency of switch-mode power supply (SMPS). Using data of DC electrical resistivity as a function of temperature, activation energy was calculated. Thermal transport properties of the synthesized samples are reported and these are rarely found in literature.