Structural characterization and magnetic properties of smart CuCd ferrite/LaSrCo manganite nanocomposites

Abstract Smart nanocomposites Cu 0.7 Cd 0.3 Fe 2 O 4 /La 0.67 Sr 0.33 Mn 0.98 Co 0.02 O 3 in different weight ratios were prepared and characterized by different techniques. The parent compounds were prepared by the citrate–nitrate autocombustion method. Phase formation and crystal structure were investigated by X-ray diffraction. Morphological properties of the nanoparticles were studied using high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Thermal dc magnetization curves were measured from 200 to800 K for the nanocomposites and showed a characteristic peak near the blocking temperature of LaSrCo manganite shifted toward higher temperature with increasing CuCd ferrite percentage. Such behavior was explained in light of granular model of exchange bias. Vibrating sample magnetometer measurements reveal an enhancement in the ferromagnetic properties with increasing ferrite ratio. The prominent anisotropic shift in the M-H hysteresis loop was discussed as a consequence of interfacial magnetic interactions between LaSrCo manganite and CuCd ferrite grains. Correlation between the measured magnetic parameters and ferrite/manganite ratio is reported and discussed.