Magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized from natural iron sand via ball-milling process

Abstract

Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles show physical and chemical properties that have a great opportunity in biotechnology applications. In nature, magnetite can be found in iron sand. This article related to the synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticle from iron sand by a physical route. The iron sand used is obtained from the Tiram beach, West Sumatra. After purification using a permanent magnet, then made in the size of nanoparticles using high-energy milling. The milling time is varied 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 hours. The Fe3O4 purity as increasing of milling time and homogenous Fe3O4 phase reached at 30 h milling time. All samples were characterized by X ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) at room temperature. All of the samples have been found possess ferrimagnetic property and saturation magnetization (Ms) of Fe3O4 nanoparticle are influenced by milling time.