Modification of magneto-transport and magnetic properties of (1-x) La0.7Sr0.3Mn0.95Co0.05O3 + (x) ZnO composite samples

We have investigated the effect of magneto-transport and magnetic properties of (1-x)La0.7Sr0.3Mn0.95Co0.05O3 (LSMCO)+(x)ZnO (x = 0%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15% & 18%) composite samples which were synthesized through an inexpensive auto combustion technique. The enhancement of MR was observed over a wide temperature range from low temperature to high temperature which is shown in Fig. 1. Magnetic measurements reveal that the ferromagnetic order of LSMCO is weakened and the magnetic disorder is increased by addition of ZnO content. The Curie temperature (TC1) is almost independent on the ZnO content and is about 347 K for both pure LSMCO and each composite while for only ZnO added LSMCO samples, TC2 was observed and TC2 increases with increase in ZnO content which is shown in Fig. 2. M − H curves that for x = 6% and 9% ZnO added composite samples have large saturation magnetization (MS) as compared to pure LSMCO and remaining composites at all temperatures taken. (a) MR% - H at T = 2 K & 300 K and (b) M-T at H= 100 Oe under ZFC and FC mode for (1-x) LSMCO + (x) ZnO (x = 0%, 6%, 9%, 12%, 15% & 18%) composite samples. [Display omitted] •For the preparation of (1-x) LSMCO+(x) ZnO (x = 6%, 9%, 12%, 15% & 18%) composites, sample of LSMCO was prepared by the auto combustion technique.•The aim of ZnO doping in this composite system was to introduce the nonmagnetic phase in the surface or interface of LSMCO grains and to study the magneto-transport and magnetic properties.•Magnetic measurements reveal that the ferromagnetic order becomes stronger as well as magnetic disorder decreases with the addition of ZnO content in composite samples as compare to pure LSMCO.•Magnetoresistance and Saturation magnetization (MS) is enhanced in all the composite samples as compared to pure LSMCO.