Magnetoelectric composites are key enabling materials for a range of proposed, novel related technologies like room-temperature-operation high-sensitivity magnetic field sensors, electrically-tunable magnetic microwave components, and wireless powering of bioimplanted devices or sensor networks to name but a few. Among the different approaches under development, best magnetoelectric responses have been obtained for layered composites of high-sensitivity-piezoelectric ferroelectric oxides and either high-susceptibility amorphous or giant-magnetostriction alloys, even though co-processing is challenging and adhesives are commonly used to bond the two components.

We present here a study of the co-processing of Bi0.36Pb0.64Sc0.36Ti0.64O3 and Ni by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Highly reactive nanocrystalline perovskite oxides obtained by mechanosynthesis and commercial metal powder were used. Conditions for obtaining high quality layered composites, crack-free and with high densification have been defined, and the interface characteristics and microstructure investigated as a function of the SPS parameters. Optimized three-layer composite structures presented significant magnetoelectric response after poling. Interface performance is assessed by comparing the cermet physical properties with those obtained by simulation from the electrical, piezoelectric, magnetic and magnetostrictive properties of the single components analogously processed.