Effects of the grain size distribution on magnetic properties of magnetite: constraints from micromagnetic modeling

Magnetite is the most important magnetic mineral in paleomagnetism. Its magnetic properties are controlled by many factors, such as grain size distribution, shape and interactions. Traditional rock magnetic experiments, however, have great difficulty in decoupling the effects of these parameters. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effects of grain size distribution on magnetic properties of magnetite powders by using a micromagnetic method. The particle geometries used in the micromagnetic model were based on the grain size distribution observed in a synthetic magnetite powder. The simulated hysteresis parameters agree well with the experimental measurements and provide clear microstructures of the magnetic remanence. Our results show that grain size plays a more important role in affecting hysteresis parameters of magnetite assemblages than shape under effects of interactions. Uniform or vortex superstates formed by two or more particles are found and display different stabilities of magnetic recording in assemblages. Some domain structures of single-domain (SD) particles are reversed as the applied field decreases to zero. Small pseudo-single-domain particles behave as SD structures and may dominate the magnetic recordings. In all, micromagnetic modeling of grain size distributions provide a better understanding of magnetic assemblages consisting of nanoscale particles.