Magnetic recording media having a binder comprising a low molecular weight high glass transition temperature vinyl polymer

A method of increasing the Tg of the magnetic layer of a magnetic particle recording medium, wherein said magnetic layer is derived from a magnetic particle coating composition comprising magnetic particles, polyurethane and polyisocyanate, said method comprises adding to said composition a low molecular weight, high Tg vinyl polymer having a Tg of about 40.degree. C. or more and a number average molecular weight of about 15,000 or less and characterized by having one or more primary alcohol containing groups pendant to the non-terminal portions thereof.

A magnetic recording medium comprising a non-magnetic substrate, a magnetic layer and a backcoat derived from a backcoat composition which comprises a) an organic solvent, b) polyurethane, c) polyisocyanate, d) a low molecular weight, high Tg vinyl polymer having a Tg of about 40.degree. C. or more and a number average molecular weight of about 15,000 or less and characterized by one or more primary alcohol containing groups pendent to the non-terminal portions thereof, and e) an antistat.