Self-assembly of fractal nanowires and stripe magnetic domain on stretchable substrate

Abstract

Magnetic properties of Ni thin films on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are being studied. The author finds that coercivity of the films grown on PDMS is two to three times higher than their rigid counterpart. Magnetic force microscopy studies show that surface morphology and magnetic domains are quite different on elastic substrate. 5nm thick films do not exhibit planar morphology but rather form very long nanowires. The 50nm thick films exhibit in-plane and canted magnetizations with nonmagnetic disordered regions within the thin films. Study suggests that elastomers coupled with magnetic thin films can give rise to interesting material properties.