A critical review of magnetic recording materials

A review of the methods of preparation and the relevant properties of materials which the authors consider suitable for incorporation in conventional magnetic recording surfaces such as tapes, disks, drums, strips, and cards is provided. This field is presently dominated by one material, gamma ferric oxide in fine particle form, and so it is not surprising that this material is discussed at greater length than its potential rivals. The reasons for this dominance are considered and found to be 1) the ability of gamma ferric oxide recording surfaces to perform adequately in the recording systems which have been developed so far, i.e., the magnetic properties of the oxide have apparently not been the limiting factors in the performance of recording systems; 2) the relative cheapness of the particles; 3) the existence of suitable binder systems of proven durability; and 4) the need for compatibility with existing recording devices.