Nanometer scale interfacial lubrication of PFPE lubricants ZDOL and AWA at hard disk interface

In this paper, we investigated the tribology performance of poly(fluroalkymethacrylate), which was usually used as anti-wetting agent (AWA). The decomposition of lubricant Z-DOL and the influence of AWA on decomposition or degradation of lubricant Z-DOL was investigated in details. The possible mechanics of the decomposition of PFPE lubricants Z-DOL and of the interaction among the AWA, Z-DOL, Diamond-like-carbon (DLC) layer and chemical environment at Head Disk Interface (HDI) was also discussed. Experimental results show that lubricant Z-DOL is easily picked up by the heads, and Z-DOL degraded thermally caused by friction forces at HDI. AWA on magnetic heads could reduce the meniscus formation and could block the transfer of lubricant Z-DOL from media.