CHARACTERIZATION OF A SOLID FLUOROCARBON FILM ON MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIA

Fluorocarbon films were deposited on carbon overcoated magnetic record ing media from monomers using an ion beam apparatus. The films were ch aracterized using sensitive surface analytical and spectroscopic metho ds. These include nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, dielectric spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning Kelvin probe, ellipsometry, Rutherford backscattering, Auger electron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, contact angle , and nanoindentation. The film thickness, chemical composition, hardn ess, and surface potential were measured across the media surface. The fluorocarbon film was insoluble and no melting or glass transition wa s observed up to 220 degrees C. Ambient organic adsorbates are detecte d on the surface, and the film undergoes a relaxation process that occ urs over about 20 days time following deposition. The initial advancin g water contact angle is controlled through surface modification by a plasma treatment in the final deposition stage. (C) 1997 American Vacu um Society.