Structural and magnetic properties of Co1+ySnyFe2-2y-xCrxO4 ferrite system

The samples of the series Co1+ySnyFe2-2y-xCrxO4 ferrites with x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and y = 0.05, were prepared by the usual double sintering ceramic technique. The single-phase spinel structure of the samples was confirmed by using X-ray diffractometry technique. The lattice parameter 'a' with an accuracy of +/-0.002 Angstrom were determined using Bragg peaks of XRD pattern. The lattice parameter 'a' decreases with concentration, x, which is due to the difference in the ionic radii of Cr3+ and Fe3+ ions. The X-ray intensity calculations were carried out in order to determine the possible cation distribution amongst tetrahedral (A) and octahedral [B] sites. The X-ray intensity calculations show Cr3+ ions occupying B site. The saturation magnetization, sigma(s), and magneton number, n(B) (the saturation magnetization per formula unit), measured at 300 K determined from high field hysteresis loop technique decrease with increase in concentration, x, suggesting a decrease in ferrimagnetic behaviour. Thermal variation of low field a.c. susceptibility measurements from room temperature to about 800 K exhibits almost normal ferrimagnetic behaviour and the Curie temperature, T-C determined from a.c. susceptibility data decreases with increase in x.