Molecular Adhesion Model for the Bridged State of a Magnetic Recording Slider

Frictional hysteresis loops are measured with a pico-slider on typical desktop media to illustrate the bridged state with a chemisorbed perfluoropolyether lubricant. Our new molecular adhesion model calculates the mean spacing and bridge stiffness from the experimental friction force, surface topography, and dispersive surface energy. An increase in friction force with increasing pressure is consistent with molecular bond orientation by the adhesion stress