The influence of Mn doping level on magnetostriction coefficient of cobalt ferrite

Cobalt ferrite materials with different concentrations of manganese additions have been prepared by conventional ceramic technique. The samples were sintered for 5 h in air at 1180 degrees C followed by natural cooling. Microstructures of the materials reveal that cobalt additions influence the average grain size and the pore distribution. The X-ray analysis proves the existence of the spinel structure. The doping level decreases the Curie temperature and increases the magnetostriction coefficient. By adjusting manganese content and the sintering process parameters the material properties should be optimized for use in magnetomechanical stress sensors. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.