High magnetization limits of spinel ferrite

Modifications to a previously reported theoretical model of the thermomagnetization properties of LiZnTi spinel ferrite have made possible the prediction of upper limits to the magnetization of the spinel system. Extrapolation of the molecular-field coefficient relations to the limits of the undiluted spinel, i.e., the fictitious case of unrestricted Fe3+ occupancy, provides a basis for computing all combinations of dilutant site distributions. For this situation, the maximum room-temperature magnetization and Curie temperature approach 8000 G and 1050 K, respectively. Computations for the more realistic monovalent cation system Fe3+1−xA1+x [B1+0.5−xFe3+1.5+x]O4, where A and B could represent any combination of Li, Na, or possibly Cu, yield an optimum magnetization that could reach 6500 G with a Curie temperature of about 700 K. In the context of this theoretical model, the cation site distributions for high magnetization in the Mn and Ni spinel ferrite families are also discussed.