Comparative analysis of efficient Pb dopant in R and R–S blocks of BaFe12O19 structure synthesized by co-precipitation method

Site occupancy plays an important role in the properties of the materials in general, and in the case of ferrites, this makes a significant effect. Barium ferrite has a wide range of applications ranging from everyday applications to sophisticated communication technologies. Two compositions Ba1−xPbxFe12O19 and BaPbxFe12−xO19 (x = 0.0–1.0) were synthesized by co-precipitation method using similar synthesis conditions. The aim was to understand the different behaviors when Pb replaced Ba in R and R* blocks in the first composition, while in the second composition it replaced iron in RSR*S* blocks. Microstructural and morphological variations in both synthesized compositions because of Pb dopant were responsible for affecting all properties. Higher ionic radius (1.76 A), lower melting point (950 °C) of lead and gradually increased concentration were responsible for generating stresses and distortions of different magnitudes in both compositions. Magnetic and DC electrical characterizations were investigated by applying similar conditions. Higher phase purity and better morphology are obtained when Ba is replaced by Pb. Strong variation in coercivity due to decrease in anisotropic energy is useful in high-density storage devices. For the other composition, when Fe is replaced by Pb, higher resistivity is obtained. The obtained range of resistivity is useful against eddy current losses in high-frequency devices.