Research Projects

Multiferroic composites which display not only ferroelectric and magnetic properties simultaneously but also a coupling effect between the electric and magnetic ordering, stimulating much scientific and technological interest. In composite form, they can be constructed by mixing of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric materials to form nanogranular or discontinuous multilayer heterostructures. The mechanical interaction between the two materials then allows the magnetic control of the electric polarization and vice-versa. This work envisages a coherent study of magnetoelectric composite nanostructures composed by magnetostrictive TbDyFe (Terfenol) and (Co,Ni)Fe2O4 nanograins dispersed on a piezoelectric BaTiO3 or PZT matrix. The aim is to investigate and control the strain mediated coupling of the magnetic and electric properties of the nanogranular composites and to systematically investigate their change with composition, size and concentrations with applied external electric and magnetic fields. The planned study will allow a better understanding on the nature of magnetoelectric interactions at the nanometer level for developing of a new class of composite multiferroics.