Excellent reviews of various aspects of ferrites (Smit & Wijn, 1961; Smit, 1971; Wohlfarth, 1980, 1982; Goldman, 1990) and magnetism (Cullity, 1972; Jiles, 1991) have been published; however, the need for a monograph covering recent developments on ferrites, such as new preparation technologies, the now-established correlations between polycrystalline structure and magnetic properties, and the most recent applications in magnetic recording, at an introductory level, was felt. The aim of this book is to satisfy that need.

The book corresponds to a final-year undergraduate or graduate level in solid-state chemistry, solid-state physics, or materials science, but is expected to be useful also for the researcher specialising in other areas who is interested in a basic overview of magnetic ceramics. It is hoped, additionally, that it will be helpful for the development engineer concerned with the science of ferrites which underpins their applications.

The book was conceived to cover all the important aspects of ferrites. The different crystalline structures are described in Chapter 2, with brief discussions on cation site occupancy and the basic features of the polycrystalline state. Chapter 3 is devoted to preparation methods for powders, ceramics, thin films and single crystals, including classical solid-state sintering as well as new techniques involving the manipulation of small particles. Magnetic properties are discussed in Chapter 4; the approach is developed from the microscopic scale (magnetic moments localised on atoms) to the macroscopic level (domains, granular and shape effects). Electrical and magnetooptic properties are also briefly discussed.