MAGNETIC RECORDING MATERIALS

A method is described of fabricating a magnetic recording element comprising applying a layer of a flowable magnetic material to a substrate, said material comprising magnetic particles dispersed in a curable binder; curing the magnetic material of the applied layer; and thereafter applying a lubricant to the surface of the magnetic layer; said method being characterised by the step of addding a thermally degradable additive to the flowable magnetic material, said additive being degraded during curing of the material and producing a plurality of microvoids in the surface of the layer capable of enhancing retention of the lubricant on said surface. More succinctly there is described a heat curable magnetic coating mixture contains one or more polymeric additives selected to thermally oxidize during coating cure to create a plurality of microvoids in the cured coating as an aid to increase the retention of a lubricant which is applied to the cured coating.