Synthesis of tri-functional PFPE lubricant and its spreading characteristics on a hard disk surface

We have successfully synthesized a tri-functional PFPE lubricant in which an extra polar group exists in the middle of molecule. This was achieved by combining two PFPE molecules with hydroxyl end groups. The tri-functional molecule was identified using NMR methods, which showed that almost three hydroxyl groups are contained in one molecule with an average molecular weight of 4770. This is about twice that of the parent PFPE molecule, which has an average molecular weight is 2020. A terrace structure was observed during diffusion of step-shape lubricant boundary. The height of the terrace was estimated to be 18.3 Å, which is nearly equal to that of parent PFPE molecule (FOMBLIN Z DOL).