Zinc ferrite nanoparticles as perspective functional materials for applications in casting technologies

In this article it discuss on possible application of magnetic oxide nanoparticles, namely non-stoichiometric zinc ferrite nanoparticles as a functionalizing agent in foundry processes. Thermal analysis showed a weight loss of the sample at 1 273 K in an amount of 7,7 %, which is a result of the following processes taking place in different temperature ranges. Upon its thermal treatment Zn0,4Fe2,6O4 decomposes to zinc oxide and iron (III) oxide (first stage) and next to iron (II,III) oxide and oxygen (second stage). The degree of decomposition was expressed as Fe2+ / Fetotal. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the over 30 % of Fe3+ present in starting material was reduced to Fe2+.