Spreading profiles of molecularly thin perfluoropolyether films

Tyndall, GW; Karis, TE; Jhon, MS

HERO ID

3860661

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1999

HERO ID 3860661
In Press No
Year 1999
Title Spreading profiles of molecularly thin perfluoropolyether films
Authors Tyndall, GW; Karis, TE; Jhon, MS
Journal Tribology Transactions
Volume 42
Issue 3
Page Numbers 463-470
Abstract Perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs) are widely used as lubricants on magnetic recording media. The mobility of the PFPE on the protective carbon overcoat of the media is widely accepted to be intimately coupled to the resulting tribological performance. The flow properties of molecularly thin films of nonpolar PFPE Z and polar PFPE Zdol functions on solid surfaces were investigated by measuring the spreading profiles. The spreading of Zdol exhibits terraced profiles with the formation of a molecular foot, a shoulder and a vertical step. To describe these features of Zdol spreading, we measured the Zdol thickness dependence of the surface energy, which is then used to calculate the thickness dependence of the disjoining pressure. The polar component of the Zdol surface energy exhibits oscillations as a function of PFPE thickness. The resulting oscillations in the disjoining pressure can be used to qualitatively describe the origins of terraced spreading. The characteristic Zdol spreading profile and surface energy oscillations of Zdol ave attributed to molecular layering induced by polar interactions between the Zdol end-groups and the surface.
Doi 10.1080/10402009908982242
Wosid WOS:000082139700004
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword magnetic data storage system tribology; perfluoropolyether; surface energy; surface films/coatings