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Abstract: A technique of energy gradient carbon embedding using the filtered cathodic vacuum arc technique in the top layer of the magnetic media is evaluated for its tribological properties. Cobalt is used as the magnetic material. The embedded layer is obtained by using ion energies of 60eV and 90eV successively to embed carbon in the top layer of the magnetic media and seal the Co/C mixed layer with a few mono-layers of carbon. Auger electron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy are used to characterize the modified surface in terms of its thickness, structure and chemical composition. Ball-on-disk wear tests and atomic force microscopy based scratch tests are conducted on the bare cobalt and modified cobalt surfaces to characterize the wear resistance. It is observed that the wear life and scratch resistance of the cobalt surface improved considerably after the surface modification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]