Role of sintering on magneto-electric effect in CuFe1.8Cr0.2O4–Ba0.8Pb0.2Ti0.8Zr0.2O3 composite ceramics

Magnetoelectric composites containing CuFe1.8Cr0.2O4–Ba0.8Pb0.2Ti0.8Zr0.2O3 phases have been prepared by sintering them at different firing temperatures. The particle size for either phase of the composite was found to increase, whereas porosity decreases with increase in sintering temperature. This is due to the increase in the grain size with increase in sintering temperature. Resistivity of the composite decreases with increase in either sintering temperature or with increase in CuFe1.8Cr0.2O4 content. The variation of dielectric constant (ε′) with temperature reflects DPT type behaviour. The peak value of dielectric constant (ε′max) for a composite decreased with increase in its sintering temperature. The maximum value of the magnetoelectric conversion factor (dE/dH)max equal to 182.7 μV/(cm*Oe) is obtained for 70% Ba0.8Pb0.2Ti0.8Zr0.2O3–30% CuFe1.8Cr0.2O4 composite when sintered at 1000°C.