Investigation of magnetoelectric effect in lead free K0.5Na0.5NbO3-BaFe12O19 novel composite system

Lead-free magnetoelectric composites (1− x )K 0.5 Na 0.5 NbO 3 —( x )BaFe 12 O 19 ( x = 30, 40, and 50 wt%) are synthesized using solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm formation of diphase composites. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) gives information about grain size, connectivity, and microstructure of constituent phases. Dielectric parameters of composite samples are studied as a function of temperature and the transition temperatures corresponding to both the constituent phases are observed in the composite samples. Dielectric constant has been found to decrease with addition of ferrite. Room temperature multiferroic behaviour has been confirmed using P - E and M - H hysteresis loops and magnetoelectric measurement. Polarization is found to decrease; however, magnetization increases with ferrite weight percentage. The highest α ME of 4.08 mV/(cm·Oe) is obtained for x = 30 wt% composite and it is realized that ferrite content significantly affects magnetoelectric behaviour.