Synthesis of dense, fine‐grained hexagonal barium ferrite ceramics by two‐step sintering process

Abstract Two‐step sintering ( TSS ) process has been used to fabricate hexagonal barium ferrite (BaFe ₁₂ O ₁₉ , BaM) ceramics with high density and fine grain size. The densification, microstructure, and magnetic properties were investigated. The sample prepared by the TSS process with the first‐step sintering temperature of 1325°C, the second‐step sintering temperature of 1300°C, and holding time of 20 hours has a density of 98.01 ± 0.25% of the theoretical density (5.29 g/cm ³ ) and exhibits a uniform microstructure with small average grain size (2.92 ± 0.05 μm). In addition, the saturation magnetization of BaM ceramics has been effectively improved and the value is around 69 emu/g, which is close to theoretical saturation magnetization (72 emu/g). Briefly, using the TSS process can obtain dense and fine‐grained BaM ceramics with high saturation magnetization.