Structural, Electrical and Dielectric Properties of Hexa-ferrite-Polyaniline Nano-composites

Ferrite-polyaniline (PANI) composites were prepared by in situ polymerization of polyaniline with the general formula (1 − x) ferrite + (x) PANI where x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, electrical resistivity, and dielectric measurements. X-ray diffraction reveals single phase formation of CaBaCo₂Al_0.5Fe_11.5O₂₂ Y-type ferrite, whereas polyaniline exhibits an amorphous nature. At room temperature, the resistivity of nano-composites increases with the increase of ferrite filler contents from 3.17 × 10⁴ to 3.19 × 10⁷ Ω cm. Real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity of the PANI-ferrite composites follow the Maxwell-Wagner model. Based on the Jonscher Law, the AC conductivity of PANI-ferrite composites experiences an increase with the increase in frequency. The exponent calculated from AC conductivity reveals that the hopping is the likely conduction mechanism. The activation energy obtained from temperature-dependent measurements is consistent with room temperature resistivity. Due to the light weight, low cost and flexibility of design, the ferrite-polymer composites are considered useful for microwave devices.