BaFe12O19/Y3Fe5O12 (BaM/YIG) composite powders were synthesized via a simple one-step sal-gel method. The phase composition and morphology of the as-synthesized composite powders were characterized using an X-ray diffractometer and a scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The magnetic properties of the composite powders were investigated by a vibrating sample magnetometer. Compared with the composite powders prepared by the conventional physical mixing method, the BaM/YIG composite powders show better homogeneity and exchange coupling. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.