Abstract: Surface processing of metal, such as CMP, is enhanced and defects reduced by pretreatment to remove a surface layer exhibiting properties different from the bulk metal, such as a baked on oxide layer. Embodiments of the present invention include acid soaking a non-magnetic substrate having an Al, Ni or Ni—P surface with a baked oxide film thereon, thereby removing the oxide film and rendering the reduced surface amenable to CMP with reduced defects, reduced surface roughness and increased production throughput.

Abstract: Electrolessly plated Ni—P amorphous coatings having an increased magnetic transformation temperature and ultra smooth surface are achieved employing a plating bath containing Al and/or Cu ions. Embodiments include electrolessly depositing an amorphous Ni—P coating exhibiting a magnetic transformation temperature of at least 330° C. proximate a laser textured protrusion.

Abstract: Magnetic recording media including an alternative substrate material having a Young's Modulus greater than that of Al-based substrate materials and a preselected average surface roughness (Ra) are formed by depositing a continuous, adherent, non-magnetic, catalytically active layer on a surface of the substrate and electrolessly plating an amorphous seed layer on the catalytically active layer, the Ra of the resultant surface of the amorphous seed layer being reduced from that of the substrate, thereby providing a substantially defect-free surface for deposition thereon of magnetic recording media layers thereon. Embodiments include sputter depositing an catalytically active layer of Ni—Al or Ni—P and electrolessly plating an amorphous seed layer of Ni—P thereon.