Trivalent yttrium, Y³⁺ substituted lithium-zinc-titanium ferrite with compositional formula Li_0.5Zn_0.1Ti_0.1Y_xFe_2.3-xO₄ (x = 0.00, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.10) were synthesized by the conventional ceramic method and sintered at 1050°C for 6h. The effect of Y³⁺ substitution on the structure and microstructure was investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) respectively. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the single-phase spinel structure and parameters like the crystallite size, lattice constant and X-ray density were calculated. The SEM micrograph revealed the grains and grain distribution of the samples. The Curie temperature showed a decrease with progressive substitution of Y³⁺. The M-H loops were traced using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) giving magnetic parameters like saturation magnetization, coercivity and remanence. Ferrites being good dielectrics the temperature variation of the dielectric constant showed a slow increase initially and then rapidly until it exhibited a maximum and then decreased on a further increase of temperature. The results obtained are analyzed and discussed in the paper.

Keywords: Lithium ferrites, X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, Curie temperature, Dielectric relaxation.