About cookies on this site Our websites require some cookies to function properly (required). In addition, other cookies may be used with your consent to analyze site usage, improve the user experience and for advertising. For more information, please review your options. By visiting our website, you agree to our processing of information as described in IBM’sprivacy statement. To provide a smooth navigation, your cookie preferences will be shared across the IBM web domains listed here.
Publication
IEEE Transactions on Magnetics
Paper
Lubrication issues in magnetic disk storage devices
Abstract
Lubrication mechanisms are of considerable interest in maintaining and improving mechanical reliability of magnetic storage systems. There have been many attempts to develop a detailed understanding of the nature of the lubrication process and the role that various contributing factors play. The aim of this paper is to examine the tribological behavior of various lubricants and to highlight the factors most responsible for a satisfactory performance of the head/disk interface. Topics pertaining to lubricant chemistry and its degradation mechanisms, surface morphology and surface chemistry, interactions between the lubricant molecules and the overcoat surface, surface mobility and autophobicity of the lubricant films are covered. The effect of file contaminants, including water, on stiction and durability is also discussed. Experimental data arc presented whenever possible to support the relevant theories or discussed concepts. © 1996 IEEE.