A study of the durability of flexible magnetic media in a linear tape system

摘要

Travan{sup}(tm) linear tape drives (with the head removed) and custom-made tape cyclers were used for sample generation in a preliminary study of the durability of experimental particulate media. The first tester cycled short (~1 m) closed loopsof tape, whereas the second cycled cartridge loaded media for an identical number of passes (0, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to identify chemical changes to the media surface and in the case of the Travantester, these changes were compared to dropout growth through the use of a dedicated Travan drive. The results show binder depletion and an increase in surface lubricant with increasing number of cycles, irrespective of the type of tester used. The tapesexhibited good durability since the surface changes did not have a detrimental effect on the dropout characteristics.