Effect of gamma irradiationon structural, morphology and magnetic properties of Co-Mnferrite

We report the gamma (60Co as gamma ray source, dose 518 kGy) irradiation effect on the structure, morphology and magnetic properties of Co0.7Mn0.3Fe2O4 (Co-Mn ferrite) prepared by conventional solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction confirms the pure phase formation of Co-Mn ferrite exhibiting cubic spinel structure with space group Fd3m. The lattice parameter observed to be decreases with irradiation and this may be due to the creation of lattice vacancies while the basic crystal structure remains unchanged after irradiation. Raman analyses indicate the redistribution of cations from tetrahedral site to octahedral site in spinel structure with gamma irradiation. Scanning electron microscope images show that the microstructure becomes dense while magnetic properties get enhanced after irradiation due to the cation redistribution introduced by high energy gamma ray. Thus, gamma irradiation affects the various properties of Co-Mn ferrite (crystal structure remains unchanged) which can be used for various applications such as magnetic data storage devices, gamma ray sensors, etc.