Enhancement of low field magnetoresistance at room temperature in La_(0.67)Sr_(0.33)MnO₃/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite

Magnetotransport properties in a nanocrystalline La$_{0.67}$Sr$_{0.33}$MnO$_{3}$/micron sized Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$ granular composite with different concentrations of Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$ have been studied. The resistivity curves in absence of magnetic field and the various transport mechanisms which might account for the upturn in resistivity at low temperature, has been discussed. Enhancement of low field magnetoresistance at room temperature with the introduction of Al$_{2}$O$_{3}$ has been observed.