Yukiko Oshikubo

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 /spl Aring/, which is nearly equal to that of parent PFPE molecule (FOMBLIN Z DOL).

Tribological Characteristics of Newly Synthesized Multi-Functional PFPE Lubricants

We have successfully synthesized a multi-functional PFPE lubricant in which extra polar groups exist in the middle of molecule. This was achieved by combining several PFPE molecules that contain hydroxyl end groups. The multifunctional molecule was fractionated using supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide then identified using NMR methods, which showed that average three to five hydroxyl groups are contained in one molecule depending on each fraction. This paper presents lubricant spreading properties and first monolayer thickness determined by means of half-dip coat method. It was found that resulting first monolayer thickness shows does not increase significantly; rather it was almost the same as that of the parent molecule.Copyright