Magnetic recording media comprising a silicon carbide corrosion barrier layer and a c-overcoat

Abstract

A magnetic recording medium is provided with a dual layer protective overcoat system comprising a SiC corrosion barrier layer and a carbon-containing protective overcoat thereon. The SiC layer effectively prevents or significantly reduces Co and Ni diffusion to the medium surface. Embodiments include magnetic recording media comprising a SiC corrosion barrier layer over a magnetic layer, an overlying protective layer of amorphous hydrogenated carbon, amorphous nitrogenated carbon or amorphous hydrogen-nitrogenated carbon, and a lubricant topcoat thereon. Embodiments of the present invention further include magnetic recording media comprising Ni—P plated aluminum, Ni-plated glass or non-conductive substrates including glass, glass-ceramic and ceramic materials. Embodiments of the present invention further include a dual protective overcoat system having a combined thickness less than about 100 Å, such as less than about 75 Å, e.g., less than about 50 Å, with the SiC corrosion barrier layer having a thickness ranging from 1 Å to 40 Å.