Gamma radiation stimulated unwavering structural and magnetic Refinement in Mn sub(x) Zn sub(1-x) Fe sub(2)O sub(4) Nanoparticles

Abstract

This study provides a very effective method of producing refinements in the structure and enhancing the magnetic parameters of nanoparticles by overall decrease in the particle size. Nanoparticles of Mn sub(x) Zn sub(1-x) Fe sub(2)O sub(4) ferrite with x = (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8), were prepared by combustion synthesis. The nanoparticles were radiated with gamma radiation to investigate their effect on the physical structural and magnetic properties. The samples were exposed to gamma radiation (500 rad/min, 1000 rad/min and 2000 rad/min denoted as 500R, 1000R and 2000R respectively) obtained from Co sup(60) source. The radiated samples were investigated with identical characterization techniques used for characterization of as prepared nanoparticles. The radiated samples showed radiation dose dependent shrinkage in lattice constant and particle size of around 0.2 percent and 20 percent respectively with enhancement in magnetic properties of the order of 5 percent to 10 percent. Repeated monitoring of measurements carried out on irradiated samples over long durations, ranging several months after irradiating the samples showed no alterations in the phenomenon observed and the numerical values obtained for various parameters.