Magnetic recording media with Ru corrosion barrier layer

The present invention relates to magnetic recording media, particularly rotatable recording media, such as thin film magnetic disks cooperating with a magnetic transducer head, particularly a magnetoresistive (MR) or a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) head. The present invention has particular applicability to high areal density magnetic recording media designed for drive programs having reduced flying height, or pseudo-contact/proximity recording. Corrosion protection of magnetic recording media is achieved by providing a thin protective barrier layer comprising ruthenium on the magnetic layer. Embodiments include forming a corrosion barrier layer less than 10 of elemental ruthenium, a ruthenium oxide, a ruthenium alloy, a layer comprising mixed oxides of ruthenium and an alloying element, a composite of a ruthenium layer and a layer of ruthenium oxide or a composite of a ruthenium alloy layer and a layer of mixed oxides of ruthenium and an alloying element. A carbon containing an overcoat is then formed, as at a thickness of about 10 to 50 , on the corrosion protective layer.