Effects of Gas Composition, Humidity and Temperature on the Tribology of the Head/Disk Interface—Part II: Model and Analysis

Abstract

A qualitative model for the effect of water condensation on the frictional behavior of unlubricated and lubricated carbon-overcoated disks is presented. The model suggests that for unlubricated disks adsorbed water acts as a lubricant, protecting the unlubricated disk surface from direct solid/solid contact and direct exposure to the environment. For lubricated disks, the interaction between adsorbed water and lubricant molecules seems to be responsible for the effect of humidity on the frictional behavior of lubricated disks. The effect of temperature on the frictional behavior of the head/disk interface is discussed in terms of surface energy, lubricant viscosity and mobility. Presented as a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers paper at the STLE/ASME Tribology Conference in Kissimmee, Florida, October 9–11, 1995