Effect of annealing temperature on the magnetic domain structure and surface mechanical properties of Ni-C composite thin films: Magnetic and lateral force microscopy, and force-distance spectroscopy

Abstract

Present study demonstrates the effect of annealing temperature on magnetic domain structure and surface mechanical properties of Ni-C composite thin films. The thin films with constant nickel and carbon concentration were synthesized by electrodeposition method at low voltage and at room temperature. The electrodeposited thin films were annealed at 80 °C, 100 °C, 120 °C and 140 °C for twenty minutes. Magnetic domain structures of varying width and contrast were observed in the films with change in annealing temperature by magnetic force microscopy (MFM). A qualitative study of the effect of annealing temperature on surface friction of the thin films were investigated by Lateral force microscopy (LFM). A decreasing trend is observed in the surface friction of the films with increase in annealing temperature. The Force-Distance spectroscopy was performed on the thin films annealed at different temperatures to explore the chemical and surface mechanical characteristics of the samples. Pull-off force or adhesive force of the thin films is decreased with increase in annealing temperature of the films.