SOLID STATE REACTIONS IN LITHIUM FERRITE

The conventional sintering of lithium ferrite from the normal constituents lithium carbonate and hematite is facilitated by the decomposition of the lithium carbonate in the intimate mixture about 400°C below the decomposition point in the pure state. However, at temperatures in excess of 1000°C, there is an irreversible loss of lithium and oxygen from the ferrite with a marked change in the density and the magnetic moment due to solid solution or second phase formation. Attempts to reduce the loss of oxygen and, possibly, lithium, by the application of a substantial oxygen pressure during sintering are accompanied by a retardation of the formation and densification processes. Copyright © 1969, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved