Abstract: A protective polysilicate layer for a thin magnetic metal member, such as a magnetic disk or a magnetic drum, is manufactured by pre-baking a layer of a solution of tetrahydroxysilane, for example, at 200.degree. C. for one hour. Condensation polymerization of the tetrahydroxysilane is subsequently promoted by irradiating the pre-baked layer by a laser beam having a wavelength between 4 and 50 microns, preferably between 9 and 11 microns, such as a carbon dioxide laser beam. The magnetic metal film reflects the laser beam. Preferably, a thin layer, such as less than 0.05 micron thick, of a material capable of reflecting the laser beam, is formed on the magnetic metal film before application of the tetrahydroxysilane solution. The irradiation may be carried out either simply directly or through a laser beam collector.

Abstract: An improved magnetic disk recording device having a smooth recording medium layer covered with a protective film layer whose surface is formed with radially extending sinusoidal jogs or undulations defining a surface roughness greater than that of the underlying recording medium. These jogs act to avoid wear due to the adhesiveness between the device and a recording or reproducing head. The jogged protective film layer is formed by using a solvent of specified boiling point in a spin-coating process.

Abstract: An improved magnetic record member having a nonmagnetic disk base with a mirrored surface, a magnetic-metal thin-film medium formed on the disk base; an intermediate layer composed of an oxide of a magnetic metal, a chromium oxide, or a phosphate formed on the film medium; and a layer of polysilicate or a metal alcoxide hydrolysis polymer formed on the intermediate layer.

Abstract: The thin film magnetic medium of a magnetic disc, and the read/record head employed with the disc are both protected from abusive use and physical damage as well as chemical damage (including damage due to heat and/or humidity) by a polysilicate layer, formed upon the magnetic medium. Inexpensive methods of forming the protective film (which methods lend themselves to mass production) are described. These methods are a small fraction of the cost of present day techniques.

Abstract: The thin film magnetic medium of a magnetic disc, and the read/record head employed with the disc are both protected from abusive use and physical damage as well as chemical damage (including damage due to heat and/or humidity) by a polysilicate layer, formed upon the magnetic medium. Inexpensive methods of forming the protective film (which methods lend themselves to mass production) are described. These methods are a small fraction of the cost of present day techniques.

Abstract: A magnetic record member for use in magnetic recording devices is disclosed. The record member comprises a non-magnetic alloy disk polished to a mirror surface, a non-magnetic alloy layer formed on the disk, a magnetic thin film medium formed on the surface of the alloy layer, and a protective polysilicate film layer formed on the alloy layer. In certain embodiments, an oriented lubricant layer is formed on the polysilicate film layer.

Abstract: Magnetic storage means which may be a disc having a magnetic storage layer coated with a protective layer. The protective layer, which is preferably an inorganic oxide material, protects the magnetic storage layer from corrosion. A lubricant is applied to the protective layer and serves to reduce wearing due to frictional drag between the disc and a cooperating magnetic head (or heads). The lubricant is oriented so as to make very good adherence with the oxide sublayer and thereby prevent removal of the lubricant through continued use and/or cleaning.