EFFECTS OF DETERGENT-INDUCED ANTIFERROMAGNETIC CORROSION ON MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF EXCHANGE-BIASED THIN FILMS

The corrosion behavior of Co30Fe70/Ni81Fe19/Ir20Mn80 thin films immersed in detergent solutions was investigated. X-ray diffraction revealed a clear (111) structure for IrMn and NiFe in the as-prepared thin films, whereas the crystal structure of Ru and CoFe underlayers remained undetected due to their limited thickness. Magnetic analysis showed minimal impact on the ferromagnetic underlayer, with a consistent saturation magnetic moment observed. Immersion in detergent solutions resulted in variations in the exchange bias field attributed to increased Mn corrosion within the antiferromagnetic layer. The electrical conductivity of the solution increases with rising detergent concentration, accelerating the corrosion rate of Mn. When the detergent concentration reaches a certain point, the surface-active inhibitor adsorbs onto the IrMn surface with greater surface coverage, leading to a decrease in the corrosion rate. Furthermore, temperature played a crucial role, increasing kinetic energy and accelerating corrosion processes. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is paramount for devising effective corrosion mitigation strategies in thin film manufacturing processes.