We present a comprehensive method for visualisation and quantification of the magnetic stray field of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) probes, applied to the particular case of custom-made multi-layered probes with controllable high/low magnetic moment states. The probes consist of two decoupled magnetic layers separated by a non-magnetic interlayer, which results in four stable magnetic states: ±ferromagnetic (FM) and ±antiferromagnetic (A-FM). Direct visualisation of the stray field surrounding the probe apex using electron holography convincingly demonstrates a striking difference in the spatial distribution and strength of the magnetic flux in FM and A-FM states. In situ MFM studies of reference samples are used to determine the probe switching fields and spatial resolution. Furthermore, quantitative values of the probe magnetic moments are obtained by determining their real space tip transfer function (RSTTF). We also map the local Hall voltage in graphene Hall nanosensors induced by the probes in different states. The measured transport properties of nanosensors and RSTTF outcomes are introduced as an input in a numerical model of Hall devices to verify the probe magnetic moments. The modelling results fully match the experimental measurements, outlining an all-inclusive method for the calibration of complex magnetic probes with a controllable low/high magnetic moment.

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Since the late 1950s, an effect of electrical current in addition to joule heating on the deformation of metals called the Electroplastic Effect (EPE) has been known. It is used nowadays in the so-called Electrically Assisted Forming (EAF) processes, but the understanding of the phenomenon is not very clear yet. It has been found that EPE increases the formability of high stacking fault energy (SFE) materials, while low SFE materials reach fracture prematurely. Since Duplex Stainless Steels (DSSs) possess a microstructure consisting of two phases with very different SFE (low SFE austenite and high SFE ferrite) and they are widely used in industry, we investigated EPE on those alloys. Tensile tests at 5 A/mm2, 10 A/mm2 and 15 A/mm2 current densities along with thermal counterparts were conducted on UNS S32101, UNS S32205, UNS S32304 and UNS S32750. The DSS grades were characterized by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and their mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, total elongation, uniform elongation and yield stress). An increase in uniform elongation for the electrical tests compared to the thermal counterparts as well as an increase in total elongation was found. No differences were observed on the yield stress and on the ultimate tensile strength. Un uneven distribution of the current because of the different resistivity and work hardening of the two phases has been hypothesized as the explanation for the positive effect of EPE.

This paper deals with the modeling of sensitivity of epitaxial graphene Hall bars, from sub-micrometer to micrometer size, to the stray field generated by a magnetic microbead.To demonstrate experiment feasibility, the model is first validated by comparison to measurement results, considering an ac-dc detection scheme. Then, an exhaustive numerical analysis is performed to investigate signal detriment caused by material defects, saturation of bead magnetization at high fields, increment of bead distance from sensor surface and device width increase.

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The poor formability of 7xxx series aluminium alloys represents the major limit to their actual use for automotive and aerospace applications. In the present study, the forming temperature effect on the mechanical, corrosion and anodization behaviours of the AA7075-T6 alloy is investigated. To this purpose, tensile tests at different temperatures, ranging from −100 to 300°C, were carried out at different rolling directions. A 6.6% increase of the ultimate tensile strength and a 28.6% increase of the uniform elongation were registered for the specimens deformed at the lowest temperature compared to highest ones. Further, the corrosion resistance of specimens deformed at ultimate tensile strength before and after anodization was increased of 85% and 95%, respectively, compared to the specimens deformed at 300°C. It was demonstrated that high deformation temperatures led to the coalescence of particles and precipitates as well as the decrease of dislocation density, which, in turn, decreased the mechanical and corrosion performances. On the contrary, the deformation temperature of −100°C was found to be the ideal one able to shorten the manufacturing process chain and improve material formability and durability during its in-service life.

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