2. Ferrite synthesis

Ferrites are synthetic mixed oxides produced at high temperatures from transition metal oxides or carbonates. Their synthesis leads either to polycrystalline materials, which are today's best-selling magnetic ceramics, or to single crystals, which are of far less industrial importance.

• Single-crystal ferrites

  Single-crystal ferrites are synthesized by a variety of methods: hydrothermal synthesis, growth in molten oxide media and pulling synthesis. The latter is used for industrial single crystals. The advantage of single crystals is a very dense material with a very good surface quality (polishing is nevertheless necessary). The disadvantages are more numerous: heterogeneity of chemical composition, limited formats (plate or disk), delicate machining and high cost. Until now, single-crystal ferrites have mainly been...