Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Densification behavior and microstructural characteristics of nanocrystalline LiZn ferrites with chemically derived additives were investigated. Nanocrystalline Li0.3Zn0.4Fe2.3O4 powders having a ≈ 15 nm size were prepared at a low temperature of 450°C by a chemical synthesis using a combustible polyacrylic acid (PAA). Small amounts of Si, Ca and Mn were incorporated into the nanocrystalline ferrites via sol-gel reactions utilizing tetraethyl orthosilicate, calcium isopropoxide and manganese acetate. This process was believed to give a homogeneous distribution of the additives over the nanocrystalline ferrites. A uniform microstructure was obtained without any evidence of exaggerated grain growth after sintering at 1100°C. Saturation magnetization and coercive force were found to increase with the chemical additives. The results were compared with those of the same composition, but processed by the conventional batch-mixing of corresponding oxide additives.