The decomposition mechanisms and thermal stability of ZDOL lubricant on hydrogenated carbon overcoats

Tribo-chemical studies of the head/disk interface (HDI) were conducted usin g hydrogenated (CHx) carbon disk samples coated with perfluoropolyether. ZD OL lubricant. The studies involved drag tests with uncoated and carbon-coat ed Al2O3-TiC sliders and thermal desorption experiments in art ultra-high v acuum (UHV) tribochamber. The friction and catalytic decomposition mechanis ms as well as the ther nl behavior of ZDOL are described, and data demonstr ating the chemical reactions of the lubricant and carbon overcoat are also presented During the sliding at the carbon-coated slider/ZDOL lubricated CH , disk interface, frictional heating is the primary decomposition mechanism of ZDOL. [S0742-4787(00)01902-0].