Preparation and structural investigation of Polyethylene glycol (PEG) / nano-ferrite composites

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)/nano-ferrite composites have been prepared by using CoFe2O4, CuFe2O4, Co0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 and MgFe2O4 ferrite nano-particles synthesized by citrate precursor method along with PEG with different percentages. Ferrite samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm the formation of pure spinel ferrite phase and, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ensure that the average particle size is within the nano-scale. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermographs of the ferrite samples have been used to ensure the complete formation of pure ferrites at temperatures above 800 o C. The ferrites and their composites with PEG, have been investigated by FTIR spectroscopy. The main bands of ferrites and PEG have been clearly displayed in agreement with literature. A systematic shift of the bands has been observed upon adding PEG. The magnetic properties have been explored by using the vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Where the values of of saturation magnetization (Ms), remnant magnetization (Mr) and coercive field (Hc) for pure ferrite and composite samples vary with the presence of different divalent cations which have different magnetic moment. Whereas, Hc values remain constant as obtained in pure ferrites regardless the ratio of PEG. The obtained values of Hc are comparable with those in literature, which can be used in electromagnetic wave attenuation.