Low temperature processing of NiZn ferrite by citrate precursor method and study of properties

Nickel zinc ferrite of composition Ni_0·5 Zn_0·5 Fe₂O₄ was prepared by the citrate precursor method at temperatures as low as 100°C. This is much lower than those used in the conventional ceramic method for the preparation of ferrites (∼1000°C). The dc resistivity of the sintered specimens was observed to be ∼10⁸ Ω cm which is greater, by at least two orders of magnitude, than that for specimens prepared by the conventional method. Although the initial permeability values are similar to those for conventionally prepared specimens, the losses are lower and the operational frequency range is larger. The significance of the citrate method lies, therefore, in producing ferrites with better properties at reduced processing temperatures.