Environment dependent stiction and durability in hydrogenated carbon overcoated thin film disks

Contact start/stop tests conducted on hydrogenated carbon overcoated thin film disks to examine the influence of test environment on stiction and durability are discussed. Improved mechanical performance was observed for tests performed in nitrogen and argon and sharply reduced durabilities for tests in oxygen-containing environments. Tests at higher humidities do not lead to improvements in disk durability. The sensitivity to the test environment appears to be dependent on the slider material.<
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