Influence of Ni-P underlayer on electroless Co-P thin film properties

Magnetic recording Co-P thin films were prepared by electroless deposition. The influence of amorphous nonmagnetic Ni-P underlayer on Co-P thin film growth and properties was studied. The results indicated that, the amorphous nonmagnetic Ni-P underlayer didn't have an obvious effect on the structure and texture of the Co-P thin films. However, it can improve the uniformity, consistency and magnetic properties of the Co-P thin films, and refine the grains. When recorded pulse signals, the Co-P magnetic recording thin films with Ni-P underlayer have a uniform and steady output and good signal to noise ratio compared with that deposited directly on aluminium substrates.