Role of the Co-based microwires/polymer matrix interface on giant magneto impedance response

The interface of Co-based microwires-epoxy composites was modified by applying silane treatment on the surface of the wires and their magneto impedance (MI) response was evaluated. The aim of the surface treatment was to modify the residual stresses that coexist at the microwires/polymer matrix interface and hence the magnetic anisotropy. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy confirmed the covalent attachment of silane molecule onto the wires surface by the presence of Si-O-Si and Fe-O-Si. The MI curve changed from single peak for untreated samples to double peak behavior for treated samples with a significant improvement of MI ratio. Additionally, the magnitude of the anisotropy field increased with the frequency, which may imply a strongly non-uniform stress distribution towards the surface. The MI variation was explained by the change of the surface magnetic anisotropy owing to the modification of the microwires/polymer matrix interface.