Effect of sintering conditions on resistivity of nanoparticle Mn–Zn ferrite prepared by nitrilotriacetate precursor method

Mn–Zn spinel ferrites are most important class of magnetic materials owing to their high saturation magnetization, high permeability, low loss and interesting applications in various fields. The magnetic as well as electrical properties of these ferrites depend on relative distribution of cations at different sites, grain size, sintering conditions as well as preparative conditions. Nanoparticle Mn–Zn ferrite material having general formula MnxZn1 – xFe2O4 with x = 0.35/0.4/ 0.45/0.5/0.55/0.6/0.65 were synthesized using nitrilotriacetate precursor method and characterized using standard techniques. The resistivity measurements of all these samples were carried out after sintering the same in nitrogen atmosphere at 1,050 C/1,150 C/ 1,250 C/1,350 C, respectively. High resistivity values obtained for the system of materials would provide a low eddy current loss material for wide ranging applications in electronics and telecommunications. Semiconductor like behavior of the material with resistivity variation over large range of temperature is ideal characteristic essential for materials in sensor applications.