Supercritical fluids : a novel approach to magnetic media production ?

The production of magnetic media requires a combination of substrate surface engineering, magnetic ink or metal deposition, and a thin-film high-performance lubricant to protect the surface and read-write head from abrasive wear. The lubricant, such as a perfluoroether oil or derivative, is normally applied via a dilute solution in fluorocarbon 113 solvent which is now known as a banned ozone depleter. The search for alternatives has led to developments in water-borne coatings but water can be an expensive and troublesome solvent. A novel means of delivering magnetic inks to a surface may be via supercritical carbon dioxide or xenon spray systems. Fluorinated and silicone oils are soluble in supercritical CO 2 and can also be applied by this residue-free technique. Supercritical fluids offer the opportunity to deposit/impregnate metals into surfaces via organometallics. Could this replace the future magnetic media production ?