Surface Characterization of Particulate Video Tapes by Static SIMS

Abstract
In this paper detailed analysis of the surface chemical composition of the outermost molecular layers of CrO2 video tapes is presented. To study this complex metal oxide-organic system, the versatile and sensitive surface analytical technique of Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectromerty (TOF-SIMS) has been applied. The positive and negative spectra of the individual components of the magnetic lacquer as well as the spectra of specially prepared tapes are discussed. Conclusions concerning surface composition, mutual interaction of the various components and effects of calendering are drawn from these spectra. A model to explain the effect of calendering on the surface chemical composition is presented.