Preparation, Structural, and Magnetic Properties of Soft (Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4) and Hard (BaFe12O19) Ferrite Composites

Barium hexaferrite (BaFe₁₂O₁₉) and Ni–Zn ferrite (Ni_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄) powders were synthesized using the microwave hydrothermal method. Composite samples with varying ratios {x(Ni_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄) + (1 − x) (BaFe₁₂O₁₉)} (where x ranged from 0 to 1.0) were prepared through mechanical mixing. The pure and composite samples were subjected to a 4-h heat treatment at 800 °C. The structural characteristics of the pure samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealing the hexagonal structure of BaFe₁₂O₁₉ and the spinel structure of Ni_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄. Morphological properties were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results confirmed a hexagonal morphology for BaFe₁₂O₁₉, a spherical morphology for Ni_0.6Zn_0.4Fe₂O₄, and a mixed morphology for the composites, with grain sizes ranging from 50 to 200 nm. The optical properties were explored through UV–Vis absorption studies, and the optical energy gap values were determined using the Tauc plots. The magnetic behavior of the samples was studied by analyzing magnetic hysteresis loops. Pure samples exhibited a smooth hysteresis behavior, while composite samples displayed a step-like pattern. A possible relation between the magnetic interaction between the two different materials in the composites was investigated.