This paper reports sonochemical synthesis
and characterization
of Mn–ferrite nanoparticles using acetates precursors. Mn–ferrite
synthesis requires external calcination of oxide precursors formed
by sonication. pH does not play a dominant role in the synthesis.
Collisions between metal oxide particles induced by shock waves generated
by transient cavitation are unable to cross the activation energy
barrier for the formation of ferrite. The calcination temperature
is a significant parameter that influences the magnetic properties
of ferrites. The size, coercivity, and saturation magnetization of
ferrite particles increases with the calcination temperature. Ferrites
formed at calcination temperatures of 650, 750, and 850 °C show
ferromagnetic behavior with easy axis magnetization. Calcination at
950 °C leads to the formation of rods with grain growth that
introduces large shape anisotropy. The magnetization curve for rods
does not reach saturation, indicating paramagnetic behavior. The cause
leading to this effect is nonalignment of the easy axis of magnetization
with the direction of the applied magnetic field, resulting in hard
axis magnetization.