Unique Composite Film Could Become Hard Disc of the Future

February 10, 2016

A research group from ITMO University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have invented unique conductive magnetic films that will be applied to transparent data storage, flexible displays, as well as electromagnetic radiation protection. Not only can the new material be produced at 25°C and normal pressure, it considerably reduces costs.

A unique new conductive magnetic film could revolutionize data storage systems.

According to the researchers the applications of this composite film are multiple. Thanks to its` magnetic activity and unique thermal conduction the material can be used for development of information storage based on heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), which is considered to be the most promising technology for the future. According to predictions, the commercial production of HAMR discs will be started in 2018. Composite films also can be applied for electromagnetic radiation protectors. Currently more than 80 percent of inventions connected with this field are developed for defense purposes.

The main component of the composite film is magnetic iron. It also includes ten percent of nanowires and five percent of crosslinking agents. This composition differs from present materials, making them more developed and useful.

Thanks to the combination of silver nanowires, nanoparticles of magnetic iron and aluminum oxide the material is transparent, flexible and stable. It was synthesized with the assistance of sol-gel method with alcohol solution as a base. The researchers have developed a technology that saves the equal amount of particles in a solution in order to avoid particle clustering and sediment setting.

The researchers used a spraying technology so as to cover a surface with the solution. The spraying makes alcohol fume, thus nanoparticles, silver wires and aluminium oxide turn into a chemical structure. This process doesn`t require special conditions. This advantage makes this procedure as simple as, for instance, color spraying. Furthermore, this technology is cheaper, more effective and less complicated than other similar methods. Compared with other technologies, such as covering a breakable polymer substrate with conductive indium, the invention of the Russian and Israeli researchers is considered more progressive.

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