This paper presents a constant-area abrasion test (CAAT) method for the study of magnetic tape abrasivity over various operating conditions. The CAAT achieves its key features by employing an Alfesil (Al-FeSi) wear bar with a narrow, contoured bearing surface, and measuring very small amounts of wear by determining the reduction in cross-section of micro-indentations on the tape/wear bar contact surface. The combination of high-resolution wear measurements and a relatively small tape/wear bar contact area permit accelerated wear testing for tape abrasivity characterization. Effects of number of tape passes, tape tension, tape speed, temperature, and relative humidity on tape abrasivity were studied. Comparisons were made between the constant-area abrasion test (CAAT) and the conventional square-bar abrasion test (SBAT). The results of this study can be used to more accurately characterize coating and burnishing processes for producing magnetic tapes with proper abrasivity.

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