Improved electrical, magnetic and dielectric properties of polypyrol (PPy) substituted spinel ferrite composites

CoTb0.03Fe1.97O4 ferrite and poypyrrole (PPy) polymer nano composites were prepared by mixing the nano crystalline ferrite with poypyrrole (PPy) by following the solid state reaction synthesis route. The XRD patterns of CoTb0.03Fe1.97O4 spinel ferrite powders and polymer (PPy) exhibited single phase spinel structure. The amorphous nature of PPy was evidenced by the broad peaks of XRD patterns. The surface morphology unfolded heterogeneous distribution in composites and ferrite. The grains in ferrite were spherical in shape with clear boundaries. The morphology was appreciably altered by the inclusion of ferrite contents. The higher activation energy and resistivity aroused due to blocking of conduction mechanism owing to nanoparticles embedded in the PPy matrix. A downfall in the dielectric loss of the composites is observed as the frequency of the applied field is increased. The incorporation of ferrite contents optimized the magnetic parameters of the composites. The enhanced coercivity (Hc) of these nanocomposites might be beneficial for memory devices.