UC San Diego

Tribological and mechanical properties of carbon-coated sliders and disks manufactured by various vendors were evaluated using atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nano-indentation testing in the presence of ultrasonic excitation. The Raman spectra of carbon-coated sliders were found to differ significantly from the Raman spectra of carbon-coated disks. The tribological properties of carbon-coated commercially available sliders did not show substantial differences regardless of the manufacturer. The same result was observed for commercially available disks manufactured by different manufacturers. Dynamic nano-indentations in the presence of ultrasonic excitation indicate discontinuities which are correlated to overcoat thickness.