Preparation and characterization of ferrous manganese thin films for magnetic storage devices

Abstract

The nanocrystalline nature of Ferrous Manganese (Fe-Mn) thin film coatings was obtained from sulphate baths at different current densities on the copper substrate. The effects of current density on structure, surface morphology, elemental composition, magnetic properties, and mechanical properties of electrodeposited Fe-Mn magnetic films were studied. The structural and surface properties of Fe-Mn thin films were studied using an Xray Diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The chemical compositions of the deposited films were investigated using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDAX). The magnetic properties of the thin films were studied with the aid of a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The electrodeposited Fe-Mn films were found to be nanocrystalline in nature due to the increase in current density. The deposits of Fe-Mn thin films were found to have a crack-free and smooth surface at low current densities. The films have good adherence to the copper substrate.