Solid state reactions in the Fe2O3-CaCO3-In2O3 system

The kinetics of solid-state reactions of powdered reactants were investigated by X-ray and by differential thermogravimetry in a magnetic field. Measurements revealed mutual diffusion of the Fe³⁺ and In³⁺ ions in the Fe₂O₃-In₂O₃ system heat treated for 3 h at 700 to 1400° C. Diffusion of indium into the Fe₂O₃ lattice caused a shift of the Curie temperature of the antiferromagnetic iron oxide towards lower temperatures. Only Caln₂O₄ was found between CaCO₃ and In₂O₃ up to 1400° C. Also, in the Fe₂O₃-CaCO₃-In₂O₃in system, the reaction started with the mutual diffusion of iron and indium and the forming of CaFe₂O₄. End-products were the magnetic -Ca₄Fe₁₄O₂₅ and CaFe₄O₇, and the non-magnetic CaFe₅O₇, depending on the In³⁺ concentration. Indium stabilized the magnetic calcium-iron oxide structures, shifting their Curie temperatures towards lower values.