EFFECT OF LITHIUM-OXIDE DOPING ON ZINC FERRITE FORMATION

A DTA and XRD study of the effect of Li2O doping on the solid-solid in teraction between Fe2O3 and ZnO showed that Fe2O3 and ZnO interacted a bove 600 degrees C to produce ZnFe2O4. The extent of ferrite formation increases with temperature, but not completely when pure mixed solids are pre-heated at 900 degrees C. These results are attributed to the initially formed zinc ferrite layer inhibiting diffusion of Fe2O3 and ZnO and thus acting as an energy barrier. Li2O doping (1.5 and 3 mol%) stimulated the formation of zinc ferrite to a degree that increased w ith the amount present. The mechanism of the promotion effect is discu ssed.