Magnetic and dielectric properties of low vanadium doped nickel-zinc-copper ferrites

The new spinel-type of general formula Ni(0.6+x)Zn(0.2)Cu(0.2)V(x)Fe(2-2x)O(4) with 0.0 <= x <= 0.25 was synthesized by the usual ceramic method. Structure of the prepared ferrites was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Room temperature magnetic hysteresis loops were measured using magnetic field strength up to 6 kOe. Saturation magnetization (M(s)) increased with vanadium content up to x=0.05 and then decreased. Variation of (M(s)) as a function of x is explained in terms of cation redistribution between A and B sublattices. Coercive force (H(c)), remanent induction (B(r)) and squareness of the hysteresis loop (B(r)/M(s)) as functions of x are presented. Dielectric permittivity (epsilon', epsilon '') and dielectric loss tangent (tan delta) were measured as functions of frequency and temperature. These parameters were found to be strongly dependent on V(2)O(5) concentration. The variation of dielectric loss tangent with frequency at different temperatures shows abnormal behavior, where more than one relaxation peaks were observed at low and high temperatures. This behavior could be attributed to the collective contribution of two types of carriers (p and n) to polarization. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.