Evolution of structure and magnetic properties for BaFe11.9Al0.1O19 hexaferrite in a wide temperature range

M-type BaFe11.9Al0.1O19 hexaferrite was successfully synthesized by solid state reactions. Precision investigations of crystal and magnetic structures of BaFe11.9Al0.1O19 powder by neutron diffraction in the temperature range 4.2–730 K have been performed. Magnetic and electrical properties investigations were carried out in the wide temperature range. Neutron powder diffraction data were successfully refined in approximation for both space groups (SG): centrosymmetric #194 (standard non-polar phase) and non-centrosymmetric #186 (polar phase). It has been shown that at low temperatures (below room temperature) better fitting results (value χ2) were for the polar phase (SG: #186) or for the two phases coexistence (SG: #186 and SG: #194). At high temperatures (400–730 K) better fitting results were for SG: #194. It was established coexistence of the dual ferroic properties (specific magnetization and spontaneous polarization) at room temperature. Strong correlation between magnetic and electrical subsystems was demonstrated (magnetoelectrical effect). Temperature dependences of the spontaneous polarization, specific magnetization and magnetoelectrical effect were investigated.