Mechanosynthesis and magnetic characterization of nanocrystalline manganese ferrites

Manganese ferrites, MnFe2O4?, synthesized via mechanosynthesis from different manganese sources, MnO, Mn2O3 and MnO2, and mixed with Fe2O3, were studied. XRD, SEM and magnetometry were used to characterize the synthesized powders. The MnFe2O4 spinel phase appeared after 12 h of milling when MnO and MnO2 mixed with Fe2O3 were used as the precursors and showed the maximum saturation magnetization value (49.77 emu/g). Manganese ferrite did not form when MnO2 was used. Manganese ferrite obtained from Mn2O3 showed the lowest saturation magnetization value. An increase in the milling time promoted the increase in the saturation magnetization values.