The results of the study on the magnetic properties of Fe _72.4 Ti _5.4 B _19.2 O _3.0 nanocrystalline films, subjected to annealing in vacuum at 200, 300, and 400 ^∘ C, are presented. Films with a mixed (nanocrystalline + amorphous) structure, 0.52 μ m thick, were obtained by magnetron deposition on glass substrates. Hysteresis loops were measured using a vibrating magnetometer, and the field and spectral dependences of the transverse Kerr effect (TKE) were determined. Magnetization reversal processes were visualized using a magneto-optical Kerr magnetometer. It was shown that the processes of partial crystallization of the initially amorphous phase and the redistribution of Ti and B within crystalline grains and grain boundaries, leading to the formation of new phases as a result of annealing, manifest themselves in a two-stage magnetization reversal process and in the modification of the TKE spectra.

The phase-structural state, magnetic structure parameters, static and microwave magnetic properties of Fe81 – 74Zr2 – 5N17 – 21 films prepared by reactive magnetron deposition were studied. As the Zr and N contents increase, the film structure changes from, so-called, mixed structure (grain size 3 – 6 nm of nanocrystalline α-Fe(Zr,N) + fcc nitride) to amorphous one. The film magnetic structure parameters (effective anisotropy field of stochastic domains D1/2〈Ha〉 = 11.8 ± 8 Oe and effective local anisotropy field D1/2Ha = 880 ± 700 Oe), saturation magnetization Ms (1.8 ± 0.3 T), coercive field Hc (11 ± 2 Oe), and the real permeability µ′ (80 ± 30), retaining its value at frequencies up to 3 GHz, were determined. The values of the initial permeability µ0 (70 ± 21) obtained from the hysteresis and the real permeability µ′ (80 ± 30) obtained from microwave measurements are in good agreement. The correlation between the static magnetic properties, the stochastic magnetic structure parameters and the real permeability µ′ was considered. There is no any sign on ferromagnetic resonance in the studied frequency range. However the Acher’s coefficient value (less than 0.38) for this frequency range indicates the possibility of ferromagnetic resonance at higher frequencies.

Investigation and quantifying of the parameters of the phase and structure state, static magnetic properties, magnetic microstructure formed over the entire volume of the film and in the near-surface layer, the surface roughness of Fe72.4Ti5.4B19.2O3.0 film were carried out using the combination of the methods such as x-ray diffraction, magnetic force microscopy, atomic force microscopy, vibrating-sample magnetometry, and the correlation magnetometry. The Fe72.4Ti5.4B19.2O3.0 films on glass substrates were produced by magnetron deposition followed by the vacuum annealing at 200 degrees & Scy; for 1 h. The interrelation between the investigated parameters was highlighted.

The Fe 56.8–72.5 Zr 5.9–11.6 N 13.8–31.6 O 1.2–3.4 films were prepared by magnetron deposition. The metastable structural and phase state, which was formed upon deposition, is represented by either mixed (nanocrystalline αFe(Zr,N) + amorphous) or amorphous structure. During subsequent annealing (300–600°C), it slightly shifts toward the stable state due to partial crystallization of the amorphous phase and precipitation of the secondary phases (Fe 4 N, Fe 3 N, and ZrO 2 ). The grain structure of the films (grains 3–12 nm in size) is characterized by thermal stability. The relatively low saturation magnetization M s (870–1400 G) of the films is explained by the presence of the amorphous phase and αFe(Zr,N) solid solution, which remain in the film structure after annealing at all temperatures. The stochastic domain structure is formed in all films under study due to exchange interaction between grains and clusters in the amorphous structure. The strong dependence of the magnetic structure on the phase state and grain structure of the films is demonstrated. The combination of low local magnetic anisotropy and the highest stochastic domain size predetermines the lowest coercive field of the films, which varies in a range of 1 to 50 Oe.

Results of XRD and TEM studies of a metastable phase state in Fe73Ti5B19O3 and Fe55Ti16B27O2 films, which is formed upon magnetron deposition under preset conditions, and of the evolution of the state in the course of subsequent annealing at 500 °C for 1, 5, and 9 h and experimental data on the magnetic microstructure and magnetic properties are reported. The annealed films were found to be characterized by a nanocrystalline structure, which is represented by two crystalline phases, namely, the ferromagnetic solid solution αFe(Ti), and nonferromagnetic boride FenB. The Ti content in the films determines the grain size of the αFe(Ti) phase, whereas the content of B localized within the grain boundaries determines the ratio of the volume fractions of amorphous and nanocrystalline phases in the structure. In contrast to the ferromagnetic Fe73Ti5B19O3 films, the Fe55Ti16B27O2 films are superparamagnets both in the deposited state and after annealing at 500 °C for 1 and 5 h because of the higher volume fraction of the amorphous phase in the structure. The 9 h annealing of the Fe55Ti16B27O2 films transfers them into the ferromagnets owing to the development of the amorphous phase crystallization, increase in the content of nanocrystalline ferromagnetic phase αFe(Ti) grains, and realization of exchange interaction between them.

Nanocrystalline Fe100–56.8Ti0–13.5B0–34.2 films 1.4 µm thick are prepared by dc magnetron deposition on glass substrates. The structure and magnetic properties of the films are comprehensively characterized and analyzed. The lattice parameter and the grain size of the bcc Fe-based phase (2-25 nm), parameters of the stochastic magnetic structure (the relative size and the effective anisotropy field of stochastic domains D1/2 and the local magnetic anisotropy field at the grain scale), saturation magnetization Ms, coercive field Hc, static permeability mst, and ferromagnetic resonance frequency fr of the films are quantitatively estimated and their interrelations are studied. As Ti and B contents increase, the phase composition of the films changes in accordance with the sequence αFe - αFe(Ti) - αFe(Ti) + TiB2 - amorphous, wherein Ms decreases from 2.1 to 0.3 T. The Hc values vary in the interval 7–70 Oe determined by the D1/2 field or by other magnetic anisotropy sources. The μst values vary in the interval 20–140. The μst values obtained by the Lorentzian dispersion law adequately fall within the range of the calculated permeabilities, which is limited by the coercive field obtained from the hysteresis loops and the anisotropy field determined by Kittel equation. The μst values of the films are kept up to the frequencies of at least 1.5 GHz. The frequency dependences of the permeability of the films are analyzed taking into account the influence of skin effect and are considered in terms of Acher’s law. The obtained values of the Acher’s constant (less than 0.3) indicate the possibility of reaching the higher values of μst and fr at the expense of elimination of the perpendicular anisotropy, in particular, via the formation of thinner films as compared to the films under study (1.4 µm thick). According to the available literature data, the presented investigations, using the FeTiB films as an example, were performed for the first time.

The Fe99.2 divided by 56.6Ti0 divided by 13.2B0 divided by 34 films were prepared by de magnetron deposition on glass substrates. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine the phase composition, volume fractions of formed crystalline phases, their grain sizes and microstrains on the grain scale. The magnetic hysteretic properties, saturation induction B-s (2.1-0.3 T), coercive field H-c (0.6-6 kA/m), relative remanence B-r/B-s (0.07-0.37), were determined using measured hysteresis loops. Their shapes indicate the existence of intergranular exchange interaction in all studied films. The magnetic structure parameters of the films were determined by correlation magnetometry. All films are characterized by a stochastic magnetic structure. The magnetic properties and the magnetic structure parameters of the films are substantiated by their phase and structural states. The values of the local parameters of the magnetic structure (rms local anisotropy field (DHa)-H-1/2 and exchange field H-R) follow the parameters of the grain (lattice parameter and grain size), while the macroscopic parameters (H-c and rms stochastic domain anisotropy field D-1/2 ) have a more complex behavior.

The paper presents results of investigation of Fe65.3–100Zr34.7–0N7.5–0 films prepared by dc magnetron deposition on glass substrates and subsequent 1-hour annealing at temperatures of 300–600 °C. The influence of the chemical and phase compositions and structure of the films, which were studied by TEM, SEM, XRD, and GDOES, on their mechanical properties determined by nanoindentation and static magnetic properties measured by VSM method is analyzed. The studied films exhibit the hardness within a range of 14–21 GPa, low elastic modulus (the value can reach 156 Gpa), and an elastic recovery of 55–83%. It was shown that the films are strong ferromagnets with the high saturation induction Bs (up to 2.1 T) and low coercive field Hc (as low as 40 A/m). The correlations between the magnetic and mechanical properties, on one hand, and the chemical composition of the films, their phase, and structural states as well, on the other hand, are discussed.

The conditions of processing corrosion-resistant chromium–nickel steel and commercial-purity aluminum on a precision EcoMaster ® 25 mangle are considered when the input gap is smaller than the value recommended by the mangle manufacturer. The influence of this processing on the mechanical properties of strips made of these materials is determined. The features of the initial stage of processing, which are mainly affected by the deformation resistance of the metal material, are analyzed. To analyze and explain these features, we propose a scheme for the interaction of a strip with work rolls when it is bitten at the entrance to the mangle.

The coercive field of soft magnetic ferromagnets is a structure-sensitive property and, in particular, is substantially affected by residual stresses. In the present study, the phase and structural states and residual stresses of the FeTiB and FeZrN films of various compositions, which were prepared by magnetron deposition on glass substrates and subsequent 1-h annealing at temperatures of 200–600 °C, were investigated by X-ray diffraction. The formation of a nanocrystalline structure is observed. It comprises different phases having different lattice parameters and unit-cell volumes and is characterized by high level of microstrains of grains as well; the microstrains predetermine the formation of high compressive stresses in the deposited films. As the annealing temperature increases, the compressive stresses decrease and, at certain temperatures, gradually transform into thermal tensile stresses, which are induced by the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients of the film and substrate. Thus, the heat treatment is the efficient way to improve the soft magnetic properties of the studied class of film materials produced by magnetron deposition.

The effect of alternating elastoplastic deformation in a mangle on the mechanical properties of a sheet metal is studied. A method is proposed to determine the cumulative principal true strain intensity required for hardening of commercial-purity copper, aluminum, and austenitic corrosion-resistant steel using the flow curves of these materials in the initial state.

The Fe-Ti-B films were obtained by dc magnetron sputtering of the Fe + 15% TiB2 and Fe + 30% TiB2 targets. The chemical composition and structure were studied in the as-sputtered state and after vacuum annealing at 500°C. The static (saturation magnetization Ms and coercive field Hc ) and rf magnetic properties (magnetic permeability µ’, frequency of natural ferromagnetic resonance fr and the frequency range in which µ’ is kept) were determined.

The main trends in the modern development of magnetic microelectronics are miniaturization and operation speed, while ensuring efficient operation in the MHz and GHz frequency ranges of magnetic fields. Creating new magnetic materials characterized by properties providing these trends is the most important fundamental and applied problem of materials science. In this regard, nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloys belonging to Fe–Me–X systems (Me is one of the metals of the IVb group of the periodic table; X is one of the light elements N, C, O, or B) obtained in the form of films attract great attention. Such films produced by magnetron sputtering and characterized by the Fe/MeX two-phase structure are capable, as was shown earlier by the authors of the present article using the example of Fe–Zr–N films, of providing a combination of high saturation induction Bs, low coercive field Hc, and high hardness and thermal stability of the structure. The films were prepared by magnetron sputtering. In accordance with the initial data obtained by the authors, the films of the FeTiB system can provide better properties as compared with FeZrN films. The published data on FeTiB films in the context of their application in microelectronic devices are very sparse. In the present work we continue studies of FeTiB films aimed at identifying the chemical and phase composition providing the level of properties required for the application of the films in microelectronics. The nanocrystalline films containing from 0 to 14.3 at % Ti and from 0 to 28.9 at % B are obtained by DC magnetron sputtering. The phase-structural state of the films is studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. According to the phase composition, all films are divided into three groups: single-phase (supersaturated solid solution of Ti in α-Fe), two-phase (α-Fe(Ti)/αTi, α-Fe(Ti)/TiB2, α-Fe(Ti)/FeTi, and α‑Fe(Ti)/Fe2B), and XRD amorphous. The XRD amorphous films are shown to be characterized by a mixed structure made of a solid solution α-Fe(Ti) with a grain size in the range from 0.7 to 2 nm and an amorphous phase. A reasonable assumption has been made that the amorphous phase is enriched by boron. A quantitative assessment of the grain size of the α-Fe(Ti) phase and its dependence on the chemical and phase composition of the films is given. The mechanisms of solid-solution and dispersion strengthening determine the grain size of this phase.

The phase-structural state of Fe, Fe(1-x)Nx, Fe(1-y)Zry, and Fe(90-z)Zr10Nz films obtained by reactive magnetron sputtering under different energy and gas-atmosphere conditions was studied. It is shown that impurity elements (N, O) absorbed by the films during the deposition process along with the principal elements (Fe, Zr, N) participate in the formation of the phase composition and structure of the films. The phenomena of the formation of supersaturated bcc Fe(N) and/or bcc Fe(Zr) solid solutions and high-temperature modifications (which are non-equilibrium at room temperature) of the bcc Zr and fcc ZrO2 phases in the films are substantiated by the fundamental concepts of the metal physics.

The chemical and phase compositions and structure of the Fe-N-O films produced by reactive dc magnetron sputtering (in Ar or Ar + N-2 gas mixture atmospheres) under different conditions (energy parameters of magnetron, residual pressure in the magnetron chamber after preliminary pumping, operating pressure in gas mixture) have been investigated by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Impurity of nitrogen and oxygen, which are present in the sputtered films, participate in the formation of their phase composition and determine its features. Some phenomena inherent in the nanocrystalline films in the metastable state were found. These are the formation of supersaturated bcc interstitial alpha Fe-based solid solution and precipitation of alpha' nitrous martensite with bct crystal lattice. The magnetic structure of the Fe-N-O films, which is characterized by the existence of stochastic domains discovered by correlation magnetometry method, is discussed in terms of the random anisotropy model. It was found that two modes of the magnetic anisotropy field of stochastic domains are formed, which determine the existence of two modes of the coercive field found in the magnetic hysteresis loops.

The magnetic structure of Fe100–xZrx films (x = 0, 0.6, 1.8, 2.9, and 4.1 ± 0.1 at%), which is characterized by the existence of stochastic domains determined by correlation magnetometry method, is discussed in terms of the random anisotropy model. It is found that two modes of the magnetic anisotropy field of stochastic domains are formed, which differ in the exchange stiffness magnitude and determine the existence of two modes of the coercive field found in the magnetic hysteresis loops.

The rf oblique-angle magnetron sputtering was used to prepare nanocrystalline Fe77Zr7N16 (at.%) films (with grain size of 2-7 nm); the phase composition of the films is the a-Fe-based solid solution supersaturated with nitrogen and zirconium. The magnetic structure of the films is represented by stochastic domains. Using the correlation magnetometry method, two modes of stochastic domains were found, which correlate with two modes of the coercive force found in the magnetic hysteresis loops. Both modes of the coercive force are considered in terms of the random anisotropy model.

A model is developed to determine the geometric and deformation characteristics of copper strips during alternating elastoplastic bending with a decreasing radius of curvature. This model is experimentally shown to satisfactorily correspond to the real conditions of deformation of commercial-purity copper strips on a roll leveling machine. The maximum effect of this processing is found to consist in a significant (by three–five times) increase in the yield strength of copper strips in only one pass. The developed model can be used to find the boundary of alternating deformation at which the entire cross section of the strip passes into the elastic deformation zone.