Mechanosynthesis and magnetic characterization of nanocrystalline manganese ferrites

Manganese ferrites, MnFe 2 O 4±δ , synthesized via mechanosynthesis from different manganese sources, MnO, Mn 2 O 3 and MnO 2 , and mixed with Fe 2 O 3 , were studied. XRD, SEM and magnetometry were used to characterize the synthesized powders. The MnFe 2 O 4 spinel phase appeared after 12 h of milling when MnO and MnO 2 mixed with Fe 2 O 3 were used as the precursors and showed the maximum saturation magnetization value (49.77 emu/g). Manganese ferrite did not form when MnO 2 was used. Manganese ferrite obtained from Mn 2 O 3 showed the lowest saturation magnetization value. An increase in the milling time promoted the increase in the saturation magnetization values.