SURFACE-TREATMENT BY LOW-ENERGY METAL-ION IRRADIATION

The effect of low energy Ti irradiation of stainless steel substrates is studied at elevated sample temperatures and high current densities. The studies which are performed are on a laboratory scale as well as field tests in the industrial practice for improved adhesion of protec tive coatings. A Ti rich surface layer is found to be formed with a th ickness of up to 1500 Angstrom. The formation of this gradient layer i s explained by overheating of the surface, which enables the indiffusi on of Ti, in competition with surface sputtering. It is found that Ti gradient layers of a thickness as high as 6000 Angstrom can be grown b y alternating Ti irradiation and deposition.