Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of nanosize NiCuZn ferrites

Ni0.5-xCuxZn0.5Fe2O4 (x = 0,4,6,8,12 mol%) nanoferrite powders were synthesized using microwave-hydrothermal (M-H) method. Nanophase ferrites with high surface area were synthesized at 160 degrees C after a treatment time of 1 h. The ferrite formation conditions such as pH, temperature and time were optimized. The phase identification of the prepared samples was done by X-ray diffraction, characterized by IR spectra and crystal size and morphology were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The size of the nanoferrite powders synthesized was 20-60 nm. The nanoferrite powders were conventionally sintered at a temperature of 900 degrees C/4 h. The variations of the sintered density, saturation magnetization and electrical resistivity as a function of copper concentration at room temperature have been investigated. Dielectric properties were measured in the frequency range of 1MHz-1.8GHz and obtained results were understood with the help of available theories.