• Location: Laboratory G61/G63 in the Chemical Sciences Building (F10)
• Bill Gong (02 9385 4694, Office M65 - access via Lab G61/G63)

What is surface analysis?

Surface analysis involves the determination of the chemical distribution and structural composition of the outermost layers of solid surfaces. In particular, surface analysis is a sensitive method of performing chemical analysis on very small quantities of material in the first 5-10 atomic layers of the solid surface. Surface analytical techniques are also capable of measuring variations in composition with depth. The nature of the surface layers control many technologically important processes including corrosion, catalysis, adhesion, friction and wear; moreover, surface layers influence the properties of a wide range of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, alloys, textiles, biomaterials and glass.

Why use surface analysis?

Materials problems cost Australian industry millions of dollars per year. Many of these problems have a common feature: they are surface dependent. Therefore, they can be solved using surface analysis techniques. The ability to accurately characterise surfaces is essential in terms of improved quality control, process or product problem solving and the research and development of new products and processes.

Materials characterisation through surface analysis provides unique information about the composition of the uppermost atomic layers of solid materials, in may cases in a non-destructive manner. In addition to providing spatial (3D) elemental and chemical images at or near the surface, surface analysis can answer questions concerning the identification and concentration of surface species and the actual special distribution can be examined.

Virtually all vacuum-compatible solid materials – including fibres and powder – and any species deposited onto a solid surface can be analysed. Minimal sample preparation is required.

Applications

The typical applications of surface analysis are analysis of stains and contaminants, particle characterisation, forensic studies and environmental testing. In particular, SSAF has provided solutions to problems in:

• Surface treatments - surface modification of wool fibre
• Film technology - breakdown and depth profiles of protective films
• Metallurgy - stress corrosion cracking
• Adhesives - quality control of production processes
• Industrial catalysis – identification of catalyst poisons
• Coatings – thickness and composition
• Microelectronics – impurity and dopant studies
• Biomaterials – surface roughness
• Mining – mineral composition and surface treatments
• Polymers – chemical state of surface bonds

The Surface Analysis Laboratory uses state-of-the-art scientific techniques including:

• X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Imaging X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (IXPS)
• Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS)
• Auger Electron Microscopy and Scanning Auger Electron Microscopy (AES/SAM)

In certain circumstances it may be possible for a researcher to undergo training to operate one of the instruments. Training should be discussed with Bill Gong, and the registration form completed.