The magnetic properties of Fe2O3 nanoparticles (average diameter O congruen
t to 3 nm) in alumina (68% Fe2O3 in weight) have been investigated by magne
tization measurements. The results indicate a superparamagnetic behavior of
interacting particles, which block with decreasing temperature (the zero-f
ield-cooled susceptibility shows a maximum at T congruent to 145 K) with a
distribution of relaxation times. A change of magnetic regime is observed b
elow similar to 60 K, due to the increasing interparticle interactions and
local surface anisotropy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve
d.