Effect of synthesis route on the magnetic properties of (Cd, Cu) 0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 oxides

Single-phase (Cd, Cu)(0.5)Ni0.5Fe2O4 fine particles of about 10 nm have been prepared by hydrothermal, glycolthermal and high energy ball milling. The effects of synthesis route and the ease of phase formation on the properties are investigated. The ease of phase formation appears to be affected by the reaction temperature and pressure during synthesis. Single phase Cu-based oxide forms easier compared to the Cd-based sample. This may be attributed to size difference between Cd and Cu ions. With increasing sintering temperature, the samples begin to adopt the bulk properties. The Mssbauer spectra indicate ferrimagnetic behavior of samples. High values of intrinsic coercive fields (about 490 Oe) are obtained for the nanosized Cu- based sample prepared by milling compared to 5.5 Oe for similar samples made by glycothermal process are observed.