Lubricant bonding effects on thin film disk tribology

The magnetic recording industry predominantly uses Zdol to lubricate the ca rbon overcoat of magnetic recording disks. Zdol comprises a perfluoropolyet her chain terminated with hydroxyl end groups that are capable of reversibl y bonding to the carbon overcoat. Contact start/stop (CSS) tests were done to investigate the effects of Zdol lubricant bonding, thickness, and relati ve humidity on durability. The durability improved with increasing thicknes s of fully bonded or mobile Zdol. The durability decreased with increasing initial bonded fraction and with decreasing relative humidity. The bonded f raction increased with time during the tests at elevated temperature and lo w relative humidity.