The tribology of tri-pad sliders with hydrogenated and nitrogenated disks

The tribology of tri-pad type proximity recording sliders was studied on one type of hydrogenated and one type of nitrogenated carbon overcoated disks. Friction during contact-start-stop testing was found to be slightly lower for nitrogenated disks when compared with hydrogenated disks. Stiction values were found to be similar for both types of disks. Results from spectral analysis of the acoustic emission signal show that continuous contacts occur between the third pad of the slider and the disk even at operating speed conditions. Wear was measured using nano-indentations. A wear depth of 2.5 nm was measured on the third pad near the poles during the first 50 hours in a fixed track at 13.8 m/s linear speed.