X-ray powder diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance and static magnet
isation measurements of slowly cooled Mg1-xMn2+xO4 solid solutions for 0 le
ss than or equal to x less than or equal to 1 have been performed in order
to investigate the effects of the Mg/Mn ratio on the spinel inversion. Our
results prove that a small inversion degree exists at room temperature for
the samples with x < 0.5 and suggest that the inversion decreases with incr
easing x, that is by reducing the Mg2+ content. The multi-technique approac
h for the definition of the correct synthetic and cooling procedures enable
s the formation of single-phase high purity materials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc
ience Ltd. All rights reserved.