Dielectric, ferroelectric, magnetic and magnetoelectric properties of 0.1Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4–0.9Pb1−3x/2SmxZr0.65Ti0.35O3 magnetoelectric composites

Composites having general formula 0.1Ni0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4–0.9Pb1−3x/2SmxZr0.65Ti0.35O3 with x=0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 were synthesized by a conventional solid state reaction route. X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out to confirm the coexistence of individual phases and microstructural study was done by using a scanning electron microscope. Dielectric properties were studied as a function of temperature and frequency. To study ferroelectric and magnetic ordering in composite samples, P–E and M–H hysteresis loops were recorded respectively. Maximum magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of 22.5 mV/cm Oe was observed for sample with x=0.03. A significant improvement in dielectric, ferroelectric, piezoelectric and magnetoelectric properties was observed for Sm substitution.