The PZT/ferrite composite materials of different types of connectivity were prepared and investigated. The firing of powder mixtures, hot pressing, alternative slicing of piezoelectric ceramic and ferrite and other techniques were used to produce the magnetoelectric composites. The most high values of the magnetoelectric coefficient ΔE/ΔH were found in sintered mixtures of PZT powders with ferrite and sliced materials with 35–55 wt% of ferrite. The magnetoelectric response sharply increased with increase of bias magnetic field up to 0.5–1.0 kOe. Meanwhile, the magnetoelectric composites showed a significant piezoelectric sensitivity and this property is to be taken into account when sensors are being designed.

Theoretical approach on the magnetoelectric effect in two-phase composite materials consisting of ferrite and piezoelectric components at various frequencies is developed. The mechanism responsible for the magnetoelectric effect is discussed. The generalised magnetoelectric sensitivity tensor is calculated. The estimates of magnetoelectric sensitivity at low and high frequencies are given. Some experimental results of the systems nickel-cobalt ferrite/piezoelectric ceramics of PZT-type and yttrium iron garnet/barium titanate are presented. The brief review of the previous work is given.

A novel, low-temperature process is proposed for the synthesis of the multiferroic compound BiFeO₃. It enables the preparation of nanoparticulate material at temperatures as low as 200–250°C. An important role in the low-temperature synthesis of bismuth orthoferrite is played by ammonium nitrate additions and excess bismuth oxide.