Modifying the Soft Magnetic Properties of Mn-Zn Ferrites by Ce2O3-Doping and Sintering Temperature Optimization

Abundant rare earth-based Ce(2)O(3)was employed as the doping for improving the magnetic performance of low-cost Mn-Zn ferrites. To achieve the best doping effect, the influence of sintering temperature on the microstructure and magnetic properties was also investigated. Based on the characterization of the samples prepared at different sintering temperatures (1250-1350 degrees C) and with various Ce(2)O(3)contents (0-0.05 wt.%), it has been found that the magnetic properties are determined by the grain size, the distribution of the pores, and the internal stress associated with impurities. The amplitude permeability for the samples with small grains shows good frequency stability in the range of 10-100 kHz. Increasing the sintering temperature or doping a certain amount of Ce(2)O(3)can increase the amplitude permeability and reduce the magnetic loss of the ferrite. However, excessive Ce addition or excessive sintering temperature led to increasing magnetic loss. For the sample doped with 0.01 wt.% Ce2O3, the maximum amplitude permeabilities of 4105 (20 kHz and 100 mT) and 2830 (100 kHz, 100 mT) can be obtained when sintered at 1350 degrees C, while the minimum power loss with 5.4 W/kg (20 kHz, 100 mT) and 46 W/kg (100 kHz, 100 mT) can be achieved at a sintering temperature of 1280 degrees C. The present results indicate that Ce doping cannot only effectively increase the amplitude permeability and decrease the magnetic loss but can also reduce the sintering temperature. The produced ferrites show great potential for the applications in induction heating systems and other fields.