Microwave hydrothermal synthesis of nanosize PbO added Mg-Cu-Zn ferrites

Lead oxide added Mg-Cu-Zn ferrite powders were prepared by a co-precipitation method in a microwave-hydrothermal (M-H) system. The synthesized ferrite samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Nanophase ferrites (~10–20 nm) with high surface area were synthesized at a low temperature of 160°C after a treatment time of 1 hour. The nano-powder was sintered at 900°C/4h in air atmosphere. The variations of the sintered density, electrical resistivity, initial permeability, and saturation magnetization with additive concentration have been investigated and the obtained results were compared with one prepared by the conventional ceramic method. It is found that the addition of PbO improves sintered density, electrical resistivity and permeability.