LAUSR

Abstract Barium hexaferrite with generic formula BaFe12O19 was synthesized using sol-gel method by sintering at four different temperatures viz., 950 ∘C, 1050∘C, 1150∘C and 1250∘C. X-ray analysis confirm single phase and from the Rietveld refinement, it has been found that c/a ratio decreases with increase in sintering temperature. An increase in grain size with sintering temperature is evidenced from FESEM morphology. Coercivity declined with increase in sintering temperature and is found to be inversely proportional to grain size. Saturation magnetization of the sintered samples was estimated from hysteresis loops, which show an increase up to 1150∘C and then decrease with further rise in sintering temperature. Decrease of saturation magnetization at 1250∘C is attributed to relocation of Fe3+ ions towards spin down sites. Fe3+ ion distribution contributing to magnetic moment was estimated theoretically using Neel sublattice model with least possible error and was verified using Rietveld refinement analysis.