Tailoring the physical and magnetic properties in chromium-substituted calcium-zinc (1:1) hexaferrites

An assortment of chromium-doped calcium-zinc ferrite specimens with the elemental composition Ca_0.5Zn_0.5Fe_12-xCr_xO₁₉ (x = 0.0–2.0) are synthesized employing the sol–gel scheme. X-ray diffraction data confirm the presence of a sole hexagonal phase of M−type hexaferrites; the lattice variables ’a’ and ’c’ fluctuate between 5.85 to 5.90 Å and 24.92 to 24.98 Å. Microstructural parameters are explained to gain insights into synthesized material. Morphology suggests the uniform distribution of particles. Magnetic investigations show a drop in coercivity (H_c) to 1.541 kOe, an increase in the saturation magnetization (M_s) to 21.766 emu/g and remanence (M_r) to 13.395 emu/g. Based on relevant characteristics such as cationic difference between Fe and Cr, crystal structure, and anisotropy constant, the cause of the amplification of saturation magnetization, magnetic remanence and the decrease in coercivity are identified. According to the findings, adding chromium to the ferrite materials considerably mellowed them, making them perfect for cutting-edge, high-end recording applications.