Nano-scale materials development for future magnetic applications

Developments in the field of magnetic materials which show promise for future applications are reviewed. In particular recent work in nanocrystalline materials is reviewed, with either soft or hard behavior as well as advances in the magnetic materials used for magnetic recording. The role of microstructure on the extrinsic magnetic properties of the materials is stressed and it is emphasized how careful control of the microstructure has played an important role in their improvement. Important microstructural features such as grain size, grain shape and crystallographic texture all are major contributors to the properties of the materials. In addition, the critical role that new instrumentation has played in the better understanding of the nano-phase magnetic materials is demonstrated. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of Acta Metallurgica Inc. All rights reserved.