Search for ferromagnetism in manganese‐stabilized zirconia

Magnetic properties of Mn‐stabilized cubic zirconia (ZrO 2 ) powder samples were investigated to verify the recent theoretical predictions of ferromagnetism in transition‐metal‐doped ZrO 2 . It was found that 5% Mn‐doped cubic ZrO 2 samples, when heat treated in argon and air environments, exhibit tiny hysteresis loops at room temperature (300 K). Antiferromagnetic interactions were observed to be enhanced for higher Mn doping. Even though we could not produce the room‐temperature long‐range ferromagnetism in our samples, we discuss the observed effects of annealing on structural and magnetic properties and their sensitivity to moisture.