Material Surface Modification Using Pulsed, High Power Plasma-Ion Beam Technology.
Abstract
The main objective of the Phase I effort was to demonstrate the effectiveness of plasma enhanced, high power, pulsed ion beams, produced in a Microsecond Plasma Opening Switch, for modification of the surface properties of materials. As part of the Phase I work we constructed and tested a system capable of generating an up to 300 keV, 180 A/sq.cm current density, 100 nanosecond ion beam pulse. The plasma enhanced ion beam was used to irradiate various steel and aluminum samples. Measurements indicate that at least a factor of 3 increase in microhardness occurs for the irradiated steel samples. Corrosion resistance, as measured by mass loss and anodic polarization curves, indicates at least a factor of 3 increase in corrosion resistance can be attained for the irradiated aluminum samples. Potential applications include treatment of aircraft aluminum to increase corrosion resistance and treatment of tool steels and other materials to increase hardness and wear resistance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA325437
Entities
People
- Eusebio Garate
- Vitaly Bystritskii