Thermal analysis of zinc hexa(formato)ferrate(III) decahydrate, Zn-3[Fe(HCO
O)(6)](2)10H(2)O has been investigated upto 800 degrees C in static air atm
osphere employing TG, DSC, XRD, IR, ESR and Mossbauer spectroscopic techniq
ues. After dehydration at 160 degrees C, the anhydrous complex decomposes i
nto alpha-Fe2O3 and zinc carbonate in successive stages. Subsequently the c
ations remix to yield fine particles of zinc ferrite, ZnFe2O4, as a result
of solid state reaction between alpha-Fe2O3 and zinc carbonate at a tempera
ture (600 degrees C) much lower than for ceramic method.