Macroscale and microscale tribological studies of molecularly thick boundary layers of perfluoropolyether lubricants for magnetic thin-film rigid disks

Surface roughness, type of lubricant, lubricant him thickness, degree of lu bricant bonding, and environmental humidity are key factors to the tribolog ical performance of magnetic head-disk interfaces. The interplay of surface roughness and thin film of the lubricant needs to be optimized for low sti ction-friction and wear in the design of thin-film rigid disks. Environment al humidity results in deposition of a thin film of water at the interface and significantly affects stiction-friction and wear. Experimental data are presented to show the effect of roughness, lubricant, and environment on t he stiction-friction and durability, and relevant mechanisms are identified . Based on the observations of experimental results, an optimum lubrication approach, the relationship of disk roughness to the lubricant him thicknes s, and the size and shape of the slider for the head-disk interface are pre sented.