Internship on (Ni0.4Cu0.15Zn0.45)1-xMnxFe2O4 sample preparation and calcination

Abstract

The sole purpose of this internship is to provide us hands on experience on how to measure, prepare and characterise a sample of the (Ni0.4Cu0.15Zn0.45)1-xMnxFe2O4 ferrites (x=0.3, x=0.45) which was further hand milled before and after calcination to achieve a homogenous distribution. In order to prepare the sample, the stoichiometric ratio was found, and then the exact amount of each required compound was measured separately using an AX120 electronic balance as it provides a high precision of 10 micrograms. It has a full range tare to allow unladed weight measurement. It was hand milled with a pestle and mortar and finally calcined at 950°C and sintered at 1100°C in air for 5 hours at 1100, 1150 and 12000C using a Nabertherm p330 to drive off water, carbon dioxide, and other volatile constituents and to oxidise the whole composite. Structural and magnetic properties of were investigated and it was prepared by solid state reaction methods.