Protective layer for mitigating protruding defects in magnetic tape recording media

A magnetic recording medium, comprising:

• an underlayer;
• a magnetic layer above the underlayer, the magnetic layer including a first magnetic material and particulates;
• and
• a protective layer above the magnetic layer, the protective layer including a second material, wherein a thickness of the protective layer is at least 10% of a total thickness of the magnetic recording medium,
• wherein at least some of the particulates of the magnetic layer protrude completely through the protective layer.

A method for forming a magnetic recording medium, the method comprising:

• forming a magnetic layer above a substrate, the magnetic layer including a first magnetic material and particulates;
• and
• forming a protective layer above the magnetic layer to a thickness whereby some of the particulates protrude through the protective layer and are exposed along an upper surface of the protective layer,
• wherein the thickness of the protective layer is at least 10% of a total thickness of the magnetic recording medium.