Analysis of drive-level contaminant particles

Particulate contamination in commercial computer hard disk drives was extra cted by using a wash technique, and it was analyzed. Such an analysis was c arried out for drives with different usage statuses. The detection of an in creased number of particles with more drive usage indicated that particles were generated during the initial run in of the drive components as well as during long-term usage beyond that. Aluminum, an elemental constituent for many drive components, was found to be the predominant element in the part icles detected. The regular morphological appearance of some particles unde r scanning electron microscope indicated the possible break off of these pa rticles from drive components.