Study of magnetic properties of NiZnCu ferrite synthesized by Pechini method and solid-state reactions

Ni-Zn-Cu ferrites are exhibiting excellent magnetic properties at large frequencies and are consequently produced as low-loss magnetic materials used for magnetic components in power electronics. Here we present an experimental study of (Ni0.31Zn0.49Cu0.20)0.979Co0.021Fe1.9-dO4 ferrites synthesized by the Pechini type sol-gel method. Their structural and magnetic properties are characterized and compared to the ones of reference ferrites synthesized by classical solid-state reactions. Optimized parameters for Pechini method allow obtaining comparable low magnetic core-losses for both synthesis methods. The cores obtained by this sol-gel method present higher static permeability and lower coercive field than the ones obtained by classical solid-state reactions. Results suggest that the microstructure of ferrites synthesized by Pechini method can be considered as a promising alternative route for the design of low-loss magnetic components.