Dependence of microstructure and magnetic properties of FePt/B nanocomposite films on boron content

Compared with previous work, FePt/B nanocomposite films with larger B content in a wide range were prepared by magnetron sputtering plus subsequent annealing on Si (1 0 0) substrates. When the volume percentage is no less than 12%, both interstitial incorporation and intergranular segregation of the B are found, resulting an enlargement of the FePt lattice and a decrease of the FePt grain size. Effect of B content on magnetic properties, such as magnetization, switching field and exchange coupling of the FePt based films, is also discussed.

Research highlights▶ FePt/B nanocomposite films with tunable magnetic properties have been fabricated. ▶ Boron atoms are found enlarging FePt lattices through interstitial incorporation. ▶ Intergranular segregation of boron atoms results smaller FePt grains.