Magnetic recording medium lubricated with a cholesteric liquid crystal

摘要

A recording medium comprising a substrate, a memory layer supported by the substrate, and a liquid crystal lubricant overlying the recording medium. The recording medium preferably has a wear layer over the memory layer. The liquid crystal lubricant comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal and cholestryl oleyl carbonate is particularly preferred. The lubricant may be applied to the recording medium by dipping in a dilute solution containing a volatile solvent and then evaporating the solvent, leaving a thin lubricant film over the wear layer.