Investigation on cure characteristics and magnetic properties of rubber ferrite composites

Ceramic nickel zinc ferrites belonging to the series Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 for vari ous values of x have been prepared and characterised. They were then incorp orated in a butyl rubber matrix according to a recipe for various loadings. The processability of the polymer was determined by evaluating the cure ch aracteristics. Magnetic properties of the ceramic and rubber ferrite compos ites (RFC) were evaluated. The present study indicates that flexible magnet s can be made with appropriate magnetic properties namely saturation magnet isation sigma(s) and magnetic field strength (coercivity) H-c by a judiciou s choice of x and a corresponding loading to obtain the required magnetisat ion. Magnetic measurements conducted on RFC suggest that there is no possib le interaction between the filler and the matrix at least at the macroscopi c level. It has also been found that the coercivity of the composites is al most the same as that of the respective magnetic component in the matrix.