Microstructure of electroless Co alloy films for perpendicular magnetic recording

Abstract

The mechanism of columnar crystallite orientation in electroless Co-Ni-Mn-P films for perpendicular magnetic recording media was investigated using SEM, TEM and other methods. Micro-region analysis revealed that the Ni and P in the film is mainly distributed in the grain boundary. So it is suggested that the film has a segregated microstructure. The segregation of Ni-P alloy is the main cause which makes the c axis of alpha -Co orient along the film normal and the columnar grain become fine. Magnetic measurements also showed that the films had a good perpendicular property.