Dielectric and magnetoelectric properties of (x)Ni0.8Co0.1Cu0.1Fe2O4/(1 − x)PbZr0.8Ti0.2O3 composites

Ceramic composites of Ni0.8Co0.1Cu0.1Fe2O4 and lead–zirconate–titanate (PZT) were prepared using conventional solid state reaction method. The presence of constituent phases in composites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The variation of dielectric constant with frequency (100 Hz–1 MHz) and temperature has been studied. The variation of loss tangent (tan δ) with temperature (at frequency 1 kHz) has also been studied. The magnetoelectric (ME) output was measured as a function of dc magnetic field. The maximum value of ME output (625 mV/cm) was observed for 25% ferrite + 75% ferroelectric phase. The maximum ME response can be explained in terms of the content of ferrite, permittivity of dielectric material and the intensity of magnetic field. The ME response of these composites was observed to be linear within low dc magnetic field. These composites may form the basis for the development of magnetic sensors and transducers for use in solid state microelectronics and microwave devices.