Friction and wear of particulate and ME magnetic tapes sliding against a Mn-Zn ferrite head in a linear mode

The objective of this study is to identify differences in the friction and wear characteristics of various particulate and metal evaporated (ME) magnetic tapes. Co-γFe₂O₃, CrO₂, metal particle (MP), barium ferrite (BaFe) and ME tapes were run against Mn-Zn ferrite head samples in a linear mode under accelerated conditions. Coefficient of friction was recorded and depth of wear on the contact surface of the ferrite samples was measured by an atomic force microscope using a newly developed “nano-scratch” technique. The Co-γFe₂O₃, MP and BaFe tapes resulted in a much lower wear rate of the mating ferrite sample than the CrO₂ tape. MP and BaFe tapes resulted in a finely polished ferrite surface with original roughness eventually worn smooth. Some scratches were produced with all particulate tapes with heavier scratches in contact with CoγFe₂O₃ and CrO₂ tapes. ME tape caused very little wear on ferrite with some mild abrasive action due to wear debris. Transfer of topical lubricant caused some agglomeration of this debris. ME tape showed a lower coefficient of friction against ferrite than the particulate tapes