Interface interaction and inter-osmosis effect of Fe-x(SiO2)(1-x) nanocomposite materials on magnetic properties

Fe-x(SiO2)(1-x) nanocomposites prepared by using mechanical alloying method were reported. The microstructure character and magnetic properties of Fe- x(SiO2)(1-x) nanocomposite samples with different Fe content and different ball milling time were studied by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmissi on electron microscopy (TEM), Mossbauer spectroscopy, and Faraday magnetic balance in a wide temperature range. The results indicate that the microstr ucture and magnetic properties are closely related to ball milling time and Fe content. When Fe content is less than 20 wt%, the sample after 80-h bal l milling has very complex microstructure. Small alpha-Fe grains and Fe clu ster are implanted in SiO2 matrix. And there are not only isolated alpha-Fe granular and Fe cluster, but also nanometer scaled sandwich network-like s tructure. Fe-x(SiO2)(1-x) nanocomposite samples display a rich variety of p hysical and chemical properties as a result of their unique nanostructure, strong interface interaction and inter-osmosis effect in Fe-SiO2 boundaries , and the grain size effect.