Physical properties of Fe films electrodeposited on porous Al substrates

Abstract

Two series of Fe thin films have been electrodeposited onto polycrystalline porous Al substrates using two baths: iron chloride (FeCl2) and iron sulfate (FeSO4). The texture, strain, and grain size values have been derived from X-ray diffraction experiments. Scanning electron microscopy has been employed for surface morphology. The magnetic properties were inferred from hysteresis curves that were obtained from a vibrating sample magnetometer; the external magnetic field was applied in different directions of the film plane and also perpendicular to the film. Hysteresis curves have been obtained at low temperatures (120 K (−153 °C) to room temperature). We investigate the effects of Al porosity, bath type, and deposition rate on physical properties of these Fe films. A correlation between the structural and magnetic properties is made. Different mechanisms responsible for the coercive field (HC) behavior have also been investigated.