Impact of high energy photons on physical, structural and magnetic properties of Mn_0.65Zn_0.35Fe_2-xNd_xO₄ nanoparticles

Ultrafine powders of Nd⁺³ doped Mn-Zn ferrite powders with composition Mn_0.65Zn_0.35Fe_2-xNd_xO₄ (x = 0.04, 0.06, 0.08) were prepared using the combustion method of preparation. Monophasic nanoparticle formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The particle size was determined using a Transmission electron microscope (TEM). The nanopowders were investigated for their physical, structural, and magnetic properties and then radiated with gamma photons obtained from Co⁶⁰ source with a dose of 500Gy, 750Gy and 1000Gy. The characterization of radiated powders showed preservation of spinel structure with breaking down of crystallites into finer crystals with increment in amorphous content. Structural and physical parameters were drastically altered due to high-energy photon exposure. The breaking down of larger particles was observed as a result of photon energy impact on the samples. The Saturation magnetization of ferrite nanoparticles was observed to increase with increasing gamma radiation dose. Mössbaure spectra showed the dominance of Fe⁺³ in the high spin state.