Stabilization of Magnetic Skyrmions on Arrays of Self-Assembled Hexagonal Nanodomes for Magnetic Recording Applications.

Magnetic skyrmions are nontrivial spin textures that resist external perturbations, being promising candidates for the next-generation recording devices. Nevertheless, a major challenge in realizing skyrmion-based devices is the stabilization of ordered arrays of these spin textures under ambient conditions and zero applied field. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the formation and stabilization of magnetic skyrmions on the arrays of self-assembled hexagonal nanodomes taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of its curved geometry. Magnetic force microscopy images from the arrays of 100 nm nanodomes showed stable skyrmions at the zero field that are arranged following the topography of the nanostructure. Micromagnetic simulations are compared to the experiments to determine the correlation of the domain textures with the topography of the samples. We propose a simple method to nucleate and annihilate skyrmions, opening the possibility for an ultradense data storage based on the high stability and low energy consumption of the skyrmionic textures.

Extended glaze firing on ceramics for hard machining: Crack healing, residual stresses, optical and microstructural aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of extended and conventional (manufacturer-recommended) glaze firings on crack healing, residual stresses, optical characteristics and crystalline structure of four ceramics for hard machining. METHODS: Rectangular specimens were obtained by sectioning densely sintered feldspathic (FEL), leucite- (LEU), lithium disilicate- (DIS), and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate-based (ZLS) prefabricated ceramic blocks and divided into groups according to the applied glaze firing (n=5): conventional glaze/manufacturer-recommended (G), extended glaze (EG) and control/no heat treatment (C). Defects generated by indentation were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy before and after firing (n=1) to evaluate crack healing. Residual stresses were determined by the indentation technique. Color differences (ΔE) after firing were measured by CIEDE2000 formula, and translucency variations were quantified by contrast ratio. Stability of crystalline microstructure was analyzed by X-ray diffraction. RESULTS: Regardless of the material, EG had greater ability than G to heal defects, and produced compressive residual stresses, while G generated tensile stresses. Color differences produced by EG were: imperceptible for FEL and LEU ceramics; perceptible, but still clinically acceptable for DIS; clinically unacceptable for ZLS. G produced no perceptible color change. The DIS and ZLS ceramics became ≈1% more opaque after G, ≈4% and ≈15%, respectively, after EG. The crystalline phase of all the ceramics remained stable after G and EG. SIGNIFICANCE: Extended glaze firing could be an alternative to finish feldspathic, leucite-, and lithium disilicate-based ceramic restorations, since it provides greater crack healing than the conventional glaze firing. It develops tolerable residual stresses, and produces clinically acceptable color alterations, without altering the microstructure of these materials.

Extended glaze firing improves flexural strength of a glass ceramic.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of firing protocols on flexural strength, surface roughness, and crystalline structure of a leucite-based glass ceramic. METHODS: Discs produced by automated machining were distributed into five groups (n=30) according to the applied firing protocols, conducted above (790°C) or below (575°C) the ceramic transition temperature (Tg) (625±20°C): C - control, no heat treatment; G790 - glaze firing (790°C) for 1.5 min (manufacturer-recommended); G790-SC - G790 modified by slow cooling; EGF790-SC - extended G790 for 15 min, with slow cooling; and EF575-SC - extended firing below Tg at 575°C for 15 min, with slow cooling. Discs were subjected to biaxial flexural tests and results were assessed using Weibull analysis. Surface roughness was measured before and after treatments. One specimen from each group was used for X-ray diffraction (XRD). RESULTS: Highest values of characteristic strength (σ0) were obtained for EGF790-SC (211.7MPa). Regimens EF575-SC, G790-SC, and G790 produced σ0 values (167.9, 157.7, and 153.7MPa, respectively) lower than the control (C) (187.7MPa). The Weibull modulus (m) was statistically similar between groups. All treatments reduced the mean roughness (Ra) of the specimens. Extended cycles (EGF790-SC, EF575-SC) decreased the mean amplitude (Rz). XRD revealed no crystalline phase transformation and slight changes in size of leucite crystallites. SIGNIFICANCE: Increased values of fracture strength and decreased surface roughness for a leucite-reinforced glass ceramic are achieved by extended glaze firing after machining. Crystalline structure is not modified. Glaze cycles, manufacturer-recommended or modified by slow cooling, and firing below Tg, significantly reduce fracture strength.