Fe2O3-SiO2 composites obtained by sol-gel synthesis

The present work deals with the synthesis of Fe2O3-SiO2 composites, obtained by embedding iron oxide particles in a silica matrix, through sol-gel method based on hydrolysis and condensation of a silicon alkoxide and thermal treatment. Methods employed in characterisation of the materials obtained at different iron concentration and at suitable thermal treatments are infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and SEM analysis. In purpose to evaluate magnetic properties of these composites, static magnetic and Mossbauer spectra measurements were carried out. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.