Hexagonal Ferrite Magnetic Recording Medium SNR Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic recording media with ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder experience a drop in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) when repeatedly used, despite initial improvements from reducing particle size, due to strain in the crystalline structure affecting the magnetic layer's stability and interaction with the binder.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic recording medium with ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder having a crystallite volume of 1,000 nm3 to 2,400 nm3 and a ratio of crystallite size to particle size in the easy axis direction greater than or equal to 1.1, achieved through a two-stage dispersion process using beads of varying diameters and densities to minimize strain, ensuring consistent SNR performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the particle size of ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder is reduced to improve electromagnetic characteristics and reduce noise, then the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improves during initial running, but the SNR drops with repeated running due to strain in the crystalline structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratio (SNR)VSAvoidSNR stability during repeated running
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the crystallite volume within 1,000 nm³ to 2,400 nm³ and maintaining the Dx(107)/DTEM ratio at ≥1.1. These specific parameter ranges optimize the balance between particle size for low noise and crystalline structure stability to prevent SNR degradation during repeated running.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder with specific binder materials in optimized ratios. This composite structure enhances the interaction between particles and binder, improving magnetic layer stability and preventing SNR drop during repeated use while maintaining the benefits of small particle size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the crystallite size is reduced to improve electromagnetic characteristics, then noise is reduced, but the magnetic layer stability and interaction with binder deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidmagnetic layer stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing specific parameter ranges: crystallite volume of 1,000 nm³ to 2,400 nm³ and Dx(107)/DTEM ratio ≥1.1. These parameters ensure the crystallite size is small enough to reduce noise while maintaining sufficient structural stability and binder interaction for magnetic layer integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the particle size is reduced to enhance electromagnetic characteristics, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to precise control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal-to-noise ratio (SNR)VSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies manufacturing by defining clear parameter specifications: crystallite volume (1,000-2,400 nm³) and Dx(107)/DTEM ratio (≥1.1). These well-defined parameters provide manufacturing targets that balance performance requirements with production feasibility, reducing the complexity of quality control while ensuring optimal SNR performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution maintains good electromagnetic characteristics and prevents SNR drops during both initial and repeated use, enhancing the stability and interaction of the magnetic layer with the binder, thus supporting high-density recording.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic recording medium, which has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the ferromagnetic powder is ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 2

the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder has a crystallite volume as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis ranges from 1,000 nm3 to 2,400 nm3, and a ratio of the crystallite size Dx(107) obtained from a diffraction peak of a (107) plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS9721607B2Magnetic recording medium and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2017.08.01 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

The magnetic recording medium has a magnetic layer comprising ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the ferromagnetic powder is ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder, and the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder has a crystallite volume as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis ranges from 1,000 nm3 to 2,400 nm3, and a ratio of the crystallite size Dx(107) obtained from a diffraction peak of a (107) plane to a particle size in a direction of an easy axis of magnetization DTEM as determined by observation with a transmission electron microscope, Dx(107)/DTEM, is greater than or equal to 1.1.