Why are ferrites unsuitable for high-field high-power transformers?

Ferrites are generally unsuitable for high-field, high-power transformers primarily because their saturation magnetization is low compared to magnetic metal alloys.1

While ferrites are highly valued in electronics for their high electrical resistivity—which effectively minimizes energy loss from eddy currents in high-frequency applications—this advantage does not compensate for their lower magnetic flux density in high-power contexts. In contrast, materials like iron and silicon-iron alloys are preferred for high-power applications because they can be magnetized to much higher values of flux density. Additionally, ferrites are hard, brittle, ceramic-like materials, which makes them difficult to machine for the large-scale requirements of high-power transformer construction.213