Modulation of the morphology, microstructural and magnetic properties on electrodeposited NiFeCu alloys

In this work, the correlations between synthesis, microstructural characteristics and magnetic properties of electrodeposited NiFeCu alloys were investigated using a factorial design procedure. The molar concentration of Ni, Fe and Cu was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy images ensure that all films present surface homogeneity and similar grain structure. X-ray diffraction data, analyzed using Rietveld refinement showed that the NiFeCu alloys present face-centered cubic structure with preferential orientation in the [111] direction perpendicular to the electrode surface. It is shown that electrochemically prepared NiFeCu, can be produced to have different microstructural characteristics and composition which optimize relevant magnetic features, such as remanent (MR) and saturation magnetization (Ms).(C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.