Effect of gamma irradiation on the structural properties and diffusion coefficient in Co-Zn ferrite

Abstract A series of samples of Co 1− x Zn x Fe 2 O 4 were prepared by the usual ceramic technique where x =0.3,0.5,0.6, and 0.8. The samples were irradiated by Co 60 gamma source with a high dose equal to 10 6  rad/h. The diffusion coefficient of oxygen vacancies was estimated from DC conductivity measurements. It was noticed that the diffusion coefficient increased after gamma irradiation for all Zn 2+ concentrations. This could be explained on the basis of displacement of metal ions from its original sites under the effect of irradiation leaving behind it lattice vacancies which increase the diffusion coefficient. The concentration of lattice vacancies increased, whereas the activation energy of diffusion process decreased after irradiation. The lattice parameter of the studied samples increased due to the formation of ferrous ions under the ionizing effect of gamma radiation. These changes in some physical properties of the studied samples are useful for the detection of nuclear contamination of environmental atmosphere.