RESUMEN
In order to convert the well-known Fe-Co-B alloy from a soft to a hard magnet, we propose tetragonal strain by interstitial boron. Density functional theory reveals that when B atoms occupy octahedral interstitial sites, the bcc Fe-Co lattice is strained spontaneously. Such highly distorted Fe-Co is predicted to reach a strong magnetocrystalline anisotropy which may compete with shape anisotropy. To probe this theoretical suggestion experimentally, epitaxial films are examined. A spontaneous strain up to 5% lattice distortion is obtained for B content up to 4 at%, which leads to uniaxial anisotropy constants exceeding 0.5 MJ m(-3). However, a further addition of B results in a partial amorphisation, which degrades both anisotropy and magnetisation.
RESUMEN
We determine the interface energy and the work of separation of the Fe/Cr2O3 interface using first-principles density functional theory. Starting from different structures, we put forward a realistic interface model that is suitable to study the complex metal-oxide interaction. This model has the lowest formation energy and corresponds to an interface between Fe and oxygen terminated Cr2O3. The work of separation is calculated to be smaller than the intrinsic adhesion energy of pure Fe or Cr2O3, suggesting that stainless steel surfaces should preferentially break along the metal-oxide interface. The relative stabilities and magnetic interactions of the different interfaces are discussed. Next we introduce Cr atoms into the Fe matrix at different positions relative to the interface. We find that metallic Cr segregates very strongly to the (FeCr)/Cr2O3 interface, and increases the separation energy of the interface, making the adhesion of the oxide scale mechanically more stable. The Cr segregation is explained by the enthalpy of formation.
RESUMEN
We compare the performances of three common gradient-level exchange-correlation functionals for metallic bulk, surface and vacancy systems. We find that approximations which, by construction, give similar results for the jellium surface, show large deviations for realistic systems. The particular charge density and density gradient dependence of the exchange-correlation energy densities are shown to be the reason behind the obtained differences. Our findings confirm that both the global (total energy) and the local (energy density) behavior of the exchange-correlation functional should be monitored for a consistent functional design.