ZnFe2O4 powder synthesized by reactive ball milling

The zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) has been obtained in nanocrystalline state by reactive milling in a high energy planetary mill from a stoichiometric mixture of oxides (ZnO and α-Fe2O3). A post milling annealing promotes the solid state reaction, improves the ferrite crystalline state and removes internal stresses. The formation of zinc ferrite was studied by X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The chemical homogeneity and morphology of the powders were studied by X-ray microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy. The mean crystallite size after 16 h of milling was found to be 18 ± 2 nm. The lattice parameter of the obtained ferrite depends on the milling time and subsequent annealing treatment. It is lower than that of zinc ferrite obtained by the ceramic method. The evolution of the magnetization versus milling time is discussed in terms of milling induced cations reorganisation into the spinel structure