Fomblin Multidentate Lubricants for Ultra-Low Magnetic Spacing

This paper discusses a new class of lubricants for disk application, designed for ultra-low magnetic spacing. By tying down the middle of the long perfluoropolyether (PFPE) Fomblin chain to the overcoat surface with additional functional groups, one can achieve the very low clearance needed for the future, sub-5 nm flying height head-disk interface. Bulk synthesis and characterization are described, and tribological performance is investigated. Benefits of this novel lubricant family can be attributed not only to its shorter free chain length, but also to disjoining pressure attributes