Investigation of Structure and Magnetic Properties of Ni Ferrite Powders Synthesized by Plasma Arc Discharge

In the present work, NiFe2O4 powder was synthesized by plasma arc discharge method. A mixture of iron and nickel powders with the appropriate molar ratio was prepared and formed into the cylindrical shapes. The synthesis process was performed under the air atmosphere with the pressure of 1 atm and the applied arc current of 400 A. After establishing an arc between the electrodes, the as-synthesized powders were collected and their structure, microstructure and magnetic properties were examined by XRD, FESEM and VSM, respectively. The XRD results show that the nickel ferrite with a spinel structure is successfully formed. The microstructural examinations reveal that the average particle size is about 120 nm. Saturation magnetization and coercivity of the as-synthesize powders are found to be 43.82 emu/g and 99 Oe, respectively.