Bonding of ethers and alcohols to a-CNx films

The surface chemistry of fluorinated ethers and fluorinated alcohols adsorb ed on amorphous nitrogenated carbon (a-CNx) have been studied as models for the interaction of perfluoropolyalkyl ether (PFPE) lubricants with the sur faces of magnetic data storage media. Temperature-programmed desorption exp eriments conducted in ultrahigh vacuum using small fluorinated ethers and f luorinated alcohols have measured their desorption energies and have provid ed insight into the nature of bonding between PFPEs and a-CNx films. Prelim inary results indicate that ether linkages interact with a-CNx films throug h electron donation from the oxygen lone pair electrons. In contrast, alcoh ol end groups show evidence of hydrogen bonding with a-CNx films. The model s derived from this study can aid in the future development of both lubrica nts and protective overcoats to ensure that the magnetic hard disks display optimal wear resistance and performance.