Corrosion-Resistant Bit Patterned Media via Organic Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for magnetic recording media struggle to achieve both high magnetic recording characteristics and corrosion resistance simultaneously, as protective films that inhibit corrosion can increase magnetic distance and deteriorate recording performance, while thinner films fail to provide adequate corrosion protection.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic recording medium is developed with a magnetic material layer featuring convex and concave portions, where nonmagnetic regions separate magnetic regions, and an organic material layer with corrosion-inhibiting characteristics is applied above the oxide or hydroxide layer, along with an oxide or hydroxide layer at the interface, to enhance corrosion resistance without compromising magnetic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective film is formed to inhibit corrosion of the magnetic recording layer, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the magnetic distance between the magnetic head and the magnetic recording medium increases and magnetic recording characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different protective measures to different regions: the magnetic recording layer receives localized corrosion protection through oxide/hydroxide layers and organic material layers only where needed (at magnetic region boundaries and defect portions), rather than forming a uniform protective film across the entire surface. This localized approach prevents magnetic distance increase while providing corrosion protection where most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: an oxide layer and/or hydroxide layer formed directly on the magnetic recording layer, and an organic material layer formed above that. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function (corrosion inhibition at the interface, corrosion protection above) without compromising magnetic recording characteristics.
2Manufacturing precision
If the protective film is made thinner to improve magnetic characteristics, then magnetic recording characteristics are improved, but it becomes difficult to achieve adequate corrosion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition and structure of the protective layers rather than simply adjusting thickness. By forming an oxide layer and/or hydroxide layer (inorganic corrosion barrier) combined with an organic material layer (additional corrosion protection), the system achieves adequate corrosion resistance with minimal total thickness, thus maintaining magnetic recording characteristics.
3Manufacturing precision
If dry etching is used to create uneven patterns for DTM and BPM, then discrete track and bit patterned media are formed, but corrosion is caused by damage that renders the magnetic film uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The oxide layer and/or hydroxide layer is formed preliminarily on the magnetic recording layer before the organic material layer is applied. This preliminary protective layer is formed in advance to protect the magnetic recording layer from corrosion that may occur during subsequent processing steps like dry etching, preventing damage that would render the magnetic film uneven.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer protective structure (oxide layer and/or hydroxide layer plus organic material layer) acts as a cushioning barrier formed beforehand to protect the magnetic recording layer against corrosion during manufacturing and usage. This beforehand protection prevents the harmful effects of corrosion on the patterned magnetic structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves excellent corrosion resistance and magnetic recording characteristics by forming a stable organic material layer that inhibits corrosion of cobalt or cobalt alloys, maintaining surface smoothness and adhesion, and does not deteriorate magnetic recording properties, even in acidic environments.
Implementation Method 1
forming an organic material layer which exhibits a corrosion-inhibiting characteristic with respect to cobalt or cobalt alloy
Implementation Method 2
forming an oxide layer and/or hydroxide layer above the magnetic regions of the recording layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a magnetic recording medium in one embodiment includes forming a magnetic material layer above a substrate, transferring an uneven pattern to the magnetic material layer to form concave portions and convex portions, the convex portions being magnetic regions, depositing a nonmagnetic material above the concave portions to form nonmagnetic regions, forming an oxide layer and/or hydroxide layer above the magnetic regions of the recording layer, and forming an organic material layer which exhibits a corrosion-inhibiting characteristic with respect to cobalt or cobalt alloy above the oxide layer and/or hydroxide layer.