SBIR Phase I: Development of High Performance, Environmentally Benign Lapping Fluids for Hard Disk Drive Manufacturing Applications

Ventana Research Company, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project involves the development of aqueous, environmentally benign computer read - write head lapping fluids based upon polyaspartic copolymer dispersants. In order to accomplish this, a whole new class of polyaspartic acid copolymers will be synthesized and their lapping performance will be characterized. The overall results from this study will have a significant impact upon the computer hard disk manufacturing industry since it will enable the production of read write heads having better surface quality / planarization needed for next generation, higher storage density computer systems. Results from this work will be beneficial to the domestic hard disk drive industry; enabling it to maintain its prominence despite its increased overseas competition