The tribology of advanced digital recording (ADR) systems

The advanced digital recording system, a linear tape recording system is examined with respect to the tribology involved at the head/tape interface. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), Auger elcetron spectrocopy (AES) and scanning Auger microscopy (SAM) surface characterisation techniques, several wear mechanisms are isolated: scratching, attributed to the polishing action of the tape asperities; microfracture then pullout of the Al2O3–TiC ceramic used as tape bearing surface; and ploughing due to three-body action of ceramic pullouts entrapped on the recessed poles. A ceramic differential wear is found to occur at the expense of the Al2O3 component, which therefore forms the ceramic recessed regions. The ceramic pullouts involved in the polesʹ three-body abrasion, however, appear to consist of TiC particles. A model for the ceramic wear mechanism is proposed. A transferred mixture of possibly magnetic pigments, binder and lubricant from the tape to the head is observed in the form of adhesive deposits. The iron component of this transfer is found in higher concentrations on the pole tips and the prominent part of the ceramic.