Imaging of Magnetic Domain Structure in FeSi/Mn_{0.8}Zn_{0.2}Fe_2O_4 Composite using Magnetic Force Microscopy

Soft magnetic composite was prepared by coating the commercial FeSi powder by Mn0.8Zn0.2Fe2O4 (MnZn) ferrite, which serves as a potential dielectric phase. MnZn ferrite was prepared by the sol-gel method followed by the auto-self combustion process. The spinel structure of MnZn ferrite was analyzed by X-ray diffraction technique. The composite material was prepared by uniaxial compaction technique and sintered either by conventional or unconventional microwave method. The microwave sintering was applied in order to reduce a grain growth and decrease the overall sintering time. The microstructure of FeSi powder is formed by grains of different diameter. Magnetic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used for an investigation of the correlation between the grain size, grain boundaries and magnetic domains. Magnetic force microscopy visualization of magnetic domains in the prepared soft magnetic composite brings insight into how the magnetically active coating (MnZn ferrite) influences the soft magnetic (FeSi) powder under the influence of the external magnetic field.