Magnetoelectric properties of laminated La0.7Ba0.3MnO3–BaTiO3 ceramic composites

Multiferroic laminated ceramic composites consisting of piezoelectric (BaTiO3, phase B)-magnetostrictive (La0.7Ba0.3MnO3, phase L) materials were synthesized by the Pechini method. The composites were sintered separately and in the form of L–B–L, in order to compare the properties of the separate phases and the laminated material. X-ray diffraction analysis of the separate phases revealed a tetragonal structure with the P4/mm space group for the B phase, and an orthorhombic structure with the R-3cH space group for the L phase. The dielectric and magnetic properties, as well as the magnetoelectric coupling coefficients (αME), were measured as a function of frequency. The dielectric constants at 1 kHz were 1560 for the separate B phase and 2970 for the L–B–L sample. Magnetization measurement of the L–B–L pellet showed that the ferromagnetic transition temperature (TC) was around 304 K. Transverse (α31ME) and longitudinal (α33ME) magnetoelectric coupling coefficients were measured for the L–B–L sample at room temperature, and the maximum values obtained were 0.55 and 0.52 mV cm−1 Oe−1, respectively. - Highlights: • Composites laminated (La0.7Ba0.3MnO3–BaTiO3) were synthesized by the Pechini method. • Scanning microscopy confirmed porosity and interdiffusion. • Low magnetoelectric coefficient is caused by porosity and point defects