Direct current resistivity studies of various polycrystalline Ni–Zn–Sc ferrites

Direct current (dc) resistivity studies have been made on two series of Ni–Zn–Sc ferrites with varying concentrations of zinc and scandium to estimate the effects of composition, temperature, and applied electric field. The resistivity has been found to increase with the increase in scandium/zinc content in both the series. From the observed temperature variations of resistivity, activation energies for each sample are calculated. Possible mechanisms contributing to conduction processes in ferrites are discussed in explaining the obtained results. Conclusions have been drawn towards the site preferences of scandium ions in the nickel–zinc ferrite system.