Recent Advances in Nanocomposite Soft Magnetic Materials: A Review

Conventional micro-sized magnetic materials have same magnetic and electrical properties irrespective of size. The control and tunability of the magnetic properties would be a difficult task. With the development of nano magnetic fillers, various electrical & magnetic properties of magnetic materials are smoothly varied by controlling the size, shape and weight percentage of the nanoparticles. In the recent years many with the addition of nano sized fillers, excellent nanocomposite with unique magnetic properties like high permeability and low coercivity have been developed. The magnetic nanocomposites have shown remarkable improvements in magnetic properties compared to that of conventional counterparts. Henceforth, research investigations in this area is increased. The use of new generation magnetic nanoparticles is demonstrated to be suitable for many power electronics devices such as DC-DC converters, microwave devices, sensors. These magnetic nanoparticles are characterised by moderate magnetic saturation, low coercivity, improved electrical resistivity and low eddy current loss which are also desirable for all the devices.The proposed research presents a comprehensive review of different fillers capable of imparting magnetic properties to the polymer composites. In the proposed research, the advantages of using zinc-cobalt ferrites for the development of magnetic material has been reviewed along with other magnetic fillers such as zirconium, nickel and their combination. The advantages of polymer nanocomposite are improved physio-chemical properties, ease of processing, thermo-mechanical stability, high electric breakdown strength and low cost.The electromagnetic properties can be tailored by incorporating appropriate fillers and weight percentage. Review on assessment of different synthesis and fabrication techniques and the resulting improvement in magnetic properties has been undertaken.