Micromechanical characterization of magnetic tapes

The hardness, elastic modulus and scratch resistance of two particulate magnetic tapes A and B with different binder and head cleaning agent (HCA) have been studied. It is found that tape B has higher hardness and elastic modulus than tape A. During scratching both tapes were damaged by ploughing right from the beginning of the scratch, associated with the formation of debris on the sides of the scratches. As compared with tape A, tape B exhibits lower stiction spike and scratch depth, narrower scratch track, and smaller debris, which suggests that tape B exhibits higher damage resistance to scratch.