TRIBOCHEMICAL WEAR ON AMORPHOUS-CARBON THIN-FILMS

Some physico-chemical processes taking place at a sliding CaTiO3-ceramic/Unlubed carbon film interface of a rigid disc drive are described. A major cause of frictional buildup is the tribochemical wear of the carbon surface atoms in oxygen-containing atmosphere. Based on indirect evidences, a mechanism involving oxygen chemisorption on surface dangling bonds and CO/CO2 desorption under the sliding motion of the Read/Write head is proposed. Raman data bringing some evidence of the formation of a graphite transfer film at the interface of some carbon films, are shown. Catalytic activity of the slider ceramic towards oxidation is also demonstrated. © 1990 IEEE