Magnetic properties of particles formed by H/sub 2/ reduction of Co-ferrite or gamma -FeOOH particles wrapped with exfoliated MoS/sub 2/

Fine particles of alpha -Fe or Fe(Co) are prepared by the reduction in H/sub 2/ of gamma -FeOOH or Co-ferrite particles which have been wrapped in monomolecular layers of exfoliated MoS/sub 2/. The presence of the MoS/sub 2/ restricts coalescence of the starting particles while allowing the reduction to take place. Magnetic moments and coercivities are determined at temperature during processing. Results are given for magnetization measurements, electron microscopy, Mossbauer effect spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Enhanced coercivities are observed when MoS/sub 2/ is present. Surface pinning is deduced from the approach to magnetic saturation.<>