Properties of barium hexaferrite prepared by electric field assisted self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

We have prepared ferromagnetic barium hexaferrite powders by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) in an electric field applied by a contactless method. Our results indicate that the field strength has a significant effect on the phase composition of the synthesis product. This effect is interpreted in terms of the decomposition kinetics of the solid oxidant and reactant diffusion. Microstructural examination demonstrates that an electric field has a marked effect on the morphology of SHS materials. The magnetic properties of the synthesized powders depend significantly on both the strength and direction of the applied field.