Surface Modification Center
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nealing—elements can be added in almost limitless ways to the atomic surface of a material. In contrast, alloys normally are created from a molten solution of two or more metals, which slowly solidifies. In such conventional processes, physical laws limit the extent to which one metal will mix with another. Surface modification techniques, however, often can circumvent these considerations. In ion implantation, atoms of elements with the desired characteristics—known as dopants—are accelerated to bombard and penetrate the surface of the target material,
Proof-of-principle experiments possible Before large capital investments required
altering the structure of the top few atomic layers. In ion beam mixing, ion bombardment is used to induce interactions between deposited thin films and the underlying material. Heat treating with extremely short, high-powered laser pulses melts and resolidifies the surface within a few billionths of a second, and this rapid solidification leads to new materials properties. These techniques, which are used to some extent in the semiconductor industry to make computer chips, are not generally available to materials scientists. While not for commercial production or services, the Collaborative Research Center permits university and industrial researchers to work independently or with ORNL staff in demonstrating the feasibility of surface modification techniques for a particular application. In the past, informal collaboration has resulted in significant materials advances. Recently, ORNL and University of Alabama at Birmingham scientists used ion implantation to alter the surface properties of artificial hip joint components made of titanium. By implanting nitrogen atoms on the outer skin of the titanium components, the surface becomes extremely resistant to wear and to body corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan of the artificial joint by more than 400 times, compared with currently available metal joints. Materials scientists interested in collaborative research are invited to contact: Bill R. Appleton Director Surface Modification and Characterization Facility Oak Ridge National Laboratory P.O. Box X Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (615) 574-6283
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