STICTION ANALYSIS OF MAGNETIC TAPES

This study investigates the differences between two MP tapes exhibitin g different stiction behavior. Surface roughness and microscale fricti on of the tapes were measured using an Atomic Force/Friction Force Mic roscope (AFM/FFM). Numerical modeling was used to predict the contact area of the tape surfaces which were verified by actual measurement. H ardness and elastic modulus' of the tapes were determined using a nano indenter. Bending stiffness of the tapes was also measured. We found t hat the tape exhibiting lower stiction showed lower contact area prima rily due to higher kurtosis of the surface in addition to higher elast ic modulus, hardness and bending stiffness than the tape exhibiting hi gher stiction. Based on this study, tapes with surfaces exhibiting hig h kurtosis are desirable for good stiction behavior. Higher values of elastic modulus and bending stiffness are also favorable for low stict ion. We also found that roughness measurements made with the AFM yield ed better lateral resolution in tapping mode as compared to the conven tional contact mode.