Crystalline-Phase Glass Composition for HAMR Substrate Rigidity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic recording media require substrates with higher mechanical properties and heat resistance to support increased data density and heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technologies.

Innovation Solution

A glass containing a crystalline phase, comprising specific compositions and properties such as cristobalite, lithium disilicate, and petalite, with a Young's modulus to specific gravity ratio (E/ρ) of 35 or more and a glass transition point of 680°C or higher, providing enhanced rigidity, heat resistance, and reduced vibration during high-speed rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional glass substrates are used, then manufacturing is easier, but mechanical properties and heat resistance are insufficient for HAMR technology

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical properties and heat resistanceVSAvoidglass composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite glass-ceramic materials containing specific crystalline phases (cristobalite, lithium disilicate, and/or petalite) embedded in a glass matrix. This composite structure provides superior mechanical properties and heat resistance compared to conventional glass, while the crystalline phases are formed through controlled heat treatment of the glass composition, making the manufacturing process feasible through standard ceramic processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise compositional parameters (SiO2: 65-85 wt%, Al2O3: 1.5-10 wt%, Li2O: 0-13 wt%, with specific ratios) and thermal processing parameters (glass transition temperature ≥680°C, heat treatment temperatures) to transform ordinary glass into high-performance glass-ceramic substrates. These parameter controls enable the formation of desired crystalline phases that provide enhanced mechanical and thermal properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If glass substrate with high rigidity is used, then deflection during high-speed rotation is reduced, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity and deflection resistanceVSAvoidsubstrate weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The glass-ceramic composite material provides high rigidity through the crystalline phase network structure while maintaining relatively low density. The specific crystalline phases (cristobalite, lithium disilicate, petalite) form a rigid framework that resists deflection during high-speed rotation, yet the overall material density is controlled through the glass matrix composition, achieving an optimal strength-to-weight ratio for rotating substrates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Temperature

If glass transition point is increased to 680°C or higher, then heat resistance is improved for HAMR, but manufacturing process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglass transition point and heat resistanceVSAvoidmelting and processing temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves high glass transition temperature (≥680°C) by controlling the chemical composition parameters, specifically the ratios of SiO2, Al2O3, and Li2O, along with the presence of specific crystalline phases. These compositional parameters directly determine the thermal properties of the glass matrix, enabling high heat resistance while maintaining manufacturability through controlled cooling rates and heat treatment schedules that facilitate crystalline phase formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260035290A1Glass containing crystalline phase
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 OHARA INC

AI summary

Provided is a glass containing a crystalline phase, the glass including at least one crystalline phase selected from the group consisting of cristobalite, lithium disilicate, and petalite, in which a value of E/ρ, which is a ratio of Young's modulus E to specific gravity ρ, is 35 or more, and a glass transition point is 680° C. or higher.