Combustion synthesis of zinc ferrite powders

ZnFe₂O₄ ferrite powders were prepared by combustion synthesis method through igniting the mixtures of iron, iron oxides and zinc oxide under different oxygen pressures. The combustion temperature and wave velocity were measured, and the phase transformation was inspected by using XRD, SEM and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The results showed that intermediate phase of iron oxide and crystal defects appeared when the oxygen pressure is excessively low or high. In addition, the reaction mechanism of the combustion synthesis of ZnFe₂O₄ was proposed which illustrated the combustion reaction sequence of the Fe, ZnO and Fe₂O₃ system.