Electrical conduction and magnetoelectric effect in Ni0.50Co0.50Fe2O4+Ba0.8Pb0.2TiO3 composites

Ni0.50Co0.50Fe2O4 + Ba0.8Pb0.2TiO3 Composites were prepared using a conventional ceramic double-sintering method. The phase analysis carried out by X-ray diffraction technique has confirmed that no intermediate or impurity phase is present in all the composites prepared. The dc resistivity, thermo emf studied as a function of temperature and ac conductivity (sigma(ac)) investigated in the frequency range 100 Hz-1 MHz have concluded that the nature of conduction in the present composites is due to small polaron. The value of static magnetoelectric conversion factor, i.e. dc (ME)(H) studied as a function of magnetic field is very low and cannot be-fit any practical application, but is essential to be reported as present communication informs that the conductivity of the samples and nature of conduction adversely affect the magnetoelectric conversion factor. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.