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, wherein the first magnetic material has a different composition than the particulates;
• and
• a protective layer above the magnetic layer, the protective layer including a second material,
• wherein at least some of the particulates of the magnetic layer protrude completely through the protective layer,
• wherein the second material is magnetic, wherein a composition of the protective layer is different than a composition of the magnetic 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, wherein the first magnetic material has a different composition than the particulates;
• 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;
• and
• curing the protective layer,
• wherein a composition of the protective layer is different than a composition of the magnetic layer.