The characterization of a ternary system: Magnetic properties and corrosion resistance of NixFeyCr1-x-y

We report techniques by which properties of thin films of ternary alloys of nickel iron and chromium have been measured as a function of composition. The method depends on the preparation of films whose composition is smoothly graded in the plane of the film. The properties are measured by techniques which are beam addressable such as electron microprobe or magneto-optical methods. Systematic trends in properties can be observed by this method with less influence of uncontrolled variables of synthesis and measurement than the standard technique using separate fabrications for each composition. The procedure makes an efficient use of sample preparation and measurement time. Results for the crystal lattice constant, magnetization, and atmospheric corrosion resistance are presented. These data show that compositions exist for which films 1 micrometer thick have magnetization in excess of 900 emu cm
^-3
(1.13 weber m
^-2
), coercivity less than 10 Oe, and outstanding corrosion resistance.