Analysis of Lubricant Morphology Using the AFM

Abstract

In this paper we report on the application of AFM for analysis of the lubricant morphology on the surface of the magnetic hard disks. Recently AFM was used as a tool for lubricant thickness measurements [1,2], testing of the nanomechanical properties of the lubricant film [3], wear test [4,5] and contaminants characterization on the disk surface [6]. AFM could be used for the imaging of the lubricant on the disk surface when the lubricant film thickness exceeds the disk surface roughness (Figure 1). Combined with AFM friction and modulus mapping, imaging of the lubricant gives valuable information on the surface topography and lubricant distribution at the stiction and wear areas of the disk (Figure 2).