The effect of low mobility sputter conditions on thin-film disk tribology

The deposition conditions used to sputter the magnetic layer of a thin-film disk were found to have a significant influence on tribological performance. Low-mobility sputter conditions (low deposition rate, high sputter pressure, and low substrate temperature) led to columnar Co (Cr, Pt) magnetic grains with domed tops which were isolated by intergranular voids. These films have been used to reduce media noise. The microtopography of these magnetic films resulted in shadowing during the subsequent deposition of the overcoat film. The porous carbon overcoats showed degraded abrasion and corrosion resistance. However, larger amounts of perfluoropolyether lubricant could be applied to the low-mobility disks without a viscous stiction response. Despite the lower carbon abrasion resistance, low-mobility disks showed improved contact start/stop wear and stiction performance. Shifts were observed in lubricant evaporation rates. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) lubricant measurements, and the rates of hydrocarbon adsorption from the environment