Mechanism of interaction and degradation of perfluoropolyethers with a DLCcoating in thin-film magnetic rigid disks: A critical review

This paper reviews, discusses, and analyzes the literature on the interacti on and degradation mechanisms of perfluoropolyether lubricants with carbon protective overcoats used for magnetic media. Emphasis is placed on the deg radation process of perfluoropolyether lubricants under sliding conditions. Detailed comments on various degradation mechanisms are presented. Particu lar stress is put on Z-DOL lubricant degradation mechanisms. It is believed that the dominant degradation mechanism is the low-energy electron initiat ed degradation mechanism.