MAGNETIC RECORDING MEDIUM

PURPOSE:To form an underlying layer having excellent smoothness without generating magnetism even if a magnetic recording medium is heated to a high temp. and to form the medium suitable for high-density recording by providing a magnetic layer via the underlying layer consisting of Ni-Cu-P contg. Ni at a specific ratio or below onto a non-magnetic metallic substrate. CONSTITUTION:The underlying layer 2 consisting of the Ni-Cu-P contg. =9wt% Cu and >=3wt% P is provided by using an alkaline electroless plating bath on the surface of the non-magnetic metallic substrate 1 consisting of Al (alloy), etc. The surface of the underlying layer may be mechanochemically polished, if necessary, to improve further the surface smoothness. Co-Ni-P is plated on the underlying layer to form the magnetic layer 3. A gamma-Fe2O3 magnetic layer 3 is otherwise formed by a sputtering method, etc. on the underlying layer. The underlying layer is not magnetized at all even if said layer is exposed to the high temp. in the stage of forming the magnetic layer and since the low- purity Al alloy is usable as the substrate, the magnetic recording medium is obtd. at a low cost.