Mobility of Z-Dol lubricant thin film on carbon overcoat surface

We simulate the slider/disk interaction induced Zdol lubricant depletion and flow-back dynamics by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Experimental results show that the lubricant flow rate is inversely proportional to original lubricant thickness. The flow rate on partially removed lubricant layer is much higher than that on lubricant depleted carbon surface. These could be attributed to the increase in disjoining pressure gradient with aid of ion beam sputtering on lubricant surfaces.