bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of the corrosion behavior of zinc coatings deposited on low carbon steel substrates
Authors: Pistofidis N. , Vourlias G. , Chaliampalias D. , Pavlidou E. , Stergioudis G. , Polychroniadis E. K.
Published: March 2006

The corrosion behavior of zinc pack coatings was examined with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and it was compared with the performance of the zinc coatings formed with hot dipping. The examined samples were exposed in a salt spray chamber (SSC) for different periods of time starting from 24 h up to ten days. This investigation showed that the main corrosion products were Zn‐ and Fe‐hydrated chlorides and oxides, while a stress corrosion mechanism controlled the pack corrosion. By contrast, the hot‐dipped coatings are uniformly corroded, while pitting corrosion and internal oxidation are also possible. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of simulated marine atmosphere on tin plasma‐sprayed coatings
Authors: Vourlias G. , Pistofidis N. , Chaliampalias D. , Pavlidou E. , Stergioudis G. , Polychroniadis E. K. , Tsipas D.
Published: March 2006

In the present work, strips of steel St‐37 were coated with Sn using the plasma‐spraying technique. Their corrosion behavior was examined with exposure in a salt spray chamber (SSC) at 40 °C and 100% relative humidity, while the corrosive medium was a 5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution. The exposure time of the samples ranged from 24 h up to 10 days. The as‐corroded samples were studied with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Sn and Fe oxides and chlorides were detected on the coating surface along with the formation of large cavities. A possible mechanism of internal oxidation was used to explain these observations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface analyses and depth profiles of oxide scales formed on alloy surface
Authors: Horita Teruhisa , Xiong Yueping , Kishimoto Haruo , Yamaji Katsuhiko , Sakai Natsuko , Brito Manuel E. , Yokokawa Harumi
Published: March 2006

The distributions of elements were analyzed at oxide scale surface and around the oxide scale/alloy interfaces. Glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES) depth profiles and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging have been applied to analyze the oxide scales formed on FeCr alloys in CH4H2O (thickness from 100 nm to 4 µm, at 1073 K for 3 to 1050 h). The oxide scale is identified as the following phases from surface to inner oxide: MnFe oxide spinel, Cr2O3 oxide, SiO2, Al2O3 inner oxide and FeCr alloy. The concentration of Si was estimated from the quantitative analysis of Si with the GDOES depth analysis. The Si concentration increases with the oxidation duration and the highest concentration after 1050 h treatment is estimated to be 4.9 mass% from the quantitative analysis of Si. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface cleaning of a commercially pure Ti, Ti6Al4V and Ti3Al8V6Cr4Zr4Mo alloys by linear heating
Authors: Dhlamini M. S. , Swart H. C. , Terblans J. J. , Terblanche C. J.
Published: March 2006

The surfaces of Ti and its alloys are always contaminated by O and C due to the continual uptake of the background gases, even in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) chamber. The surfaces of Ti and its alloys (Ti6Al4V and Ti3Al8V6Cr4Zr4Mo) were cleaned by annealing the sample linearly to a temperature higher than 600 °C and then cooled. The segregation of S was only observed after the samples were heated to temperatures above 550 °C. The segregation of S was only measured after most of surface adsorbate elements were removed from the surface. The three samples' surfaces (Ti, Ti6Al4V and Ti3Al8V6Cr4Zr4Mo) were all almost clean or free of contamination in the temperature range 600–650 °C. The addition of the alloying elements impacts the retention of O and C on the surfaces. The linear least square (LLS) fit method was used to determine the contributions of pure Ti, Ti oxide and Ti carbide from the measured Auger peak to peak heights (APPHs). AES peak fitting was done and confirmed the formation of TiC and TiO on the surface at temperatures between 100 °C and 500 °C. The segregation of Al in the Ti6Al4V and Ti3Al8V6Cr4Zr4Mo samples was measured at higher temperatures. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radio frequency (r.f.) plasma‐deposited polymer films: influence of external plasma parameters as viewed by comprehensive in‐situ surface chemical analysis by XAS, XPS and ToF‐SIMS
Authors: Unger W. E. S. , Swaraj S. , Oran U. , Lippitz A.
Published: March 2006

The formation of plasma‐deposited materials made from organic molecules is a technologically attractive way to obtain films with unique properties, e.g. adhesion, wettability, conductivity or selected chemical functionalization. A detailed chemical characterization of these films is a great challenge for the analyst because of the co‐existence of a large number of chemical species in plasma‐deposited films. We investigated these types of organic films using photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA, XPS), near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy at synchrotron radiation source BESSY II and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF‐SIMS). A dedicated plasma preparation chamber was designed and added to the main analysis chamber of the respective spectrometers. This approach offers the possibility of studying plasma‐deposited films without exposure to air before analysis (often called in‐situ analysis) and the influence of post‐plasma reactions, i.e. the ageing process. The present investigations are aimed at finding correlations between basic chemical properties of the deposited films and the plasma deposition parameters, e.g. duty cycle in pulsed plasmas and the power of discharge. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructural studies of PVD TiAlB coatings
Authors: Monclus M. A. , Baker M. A. , Rebholz C. , Stolojan V. , Gibson P. N. , Leyland A. , Matthews A.
Published: March 2006

TiAlB coatings with different compositions were deposited by co‐sputtering from TiAl and TiB2 targets onto AISI316 stainless steel substrates at a temperature of 170 °C. The stoichiometry and nanostructure have been studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Analysis of the XPS spectra suggests the presence of phases in agreement with the equilibrium TiAlB phase diagram. Diffraction studies (XRD and TEM) indicate that coatings with B/Al ratios <6 are amorphous, while coatings with B/Al ratios >6 exhibit a nanocomposite structure with average TiB2 grain sizes of ∼2–3 nm for the highest B/Al ratio of 16. Nanocomposite coatings show significantly improved H/E ratios that are beneficial for protecting soft steels and light alloys. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Friction induced conformational changes on large‐scale and small‐scale polyester sliding surfaces
Authors: Samyn P. , Craenenbroeck J. Van , Quintelier J. , Schoukens G.
Published: March 2006

Pure and internal PTFE‐lubricated polyesters are slid against steel and stainless steel on large‐scale and small‐scale tribological test rigs under normal loads between 8 and 150 MPa and temperatures of 80–200 °C. The polymer sliding surfaces are analysed by Raman spectra according to a two‐phase system of trans (oriented) and gauche (non‐oriented) structures. Comparing the spectra of pure and internal lubricated polyesters reveals a clear band at 713 cm−1 correlated to PTFE depositions. For small‐scale tests, the crystalline content and overall orientation is larger (40–50%) while no significant increase in the PTFE‐related band is observed. A PTFE/polyester film is transferred onto the steel counterface without back‐transfer to the polymer surface. Large‐scale polymer surfaces have a lower orientation (30–40%) and contradictory to small‐scale samples, PTFE lubricants are observed on the polymer surface. The formation of a PTFE film on the polyester sliding surface is then favourable for low friction and stabilization in wear rates. Orientation and wear effects depend on the movability of wear debris and plastification of the surface, illustrated by Raman spectroscopy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS at solid–solution interface: experimental approaches
Authors: Shchukarev A.
Published: March 2006

XPS is a very useful technique to study physicochemical phenomena at the solid–solution interface. It is essential that the interface remains unaltered during sample preparation and analysis.

Experimental approaches dealing with this problem are reviewed and discussed. They include differential pumping, controlled adsorption/condensation from gas phase, fast freezing, and freeze‐drying. A recently developed fast‐freezing procedure of wet pastes that are obtained from powder suspensions by centrifuging is described. This method allows for estimating surface point‐of‐zero charge, thickness, and potential of electrical double layer from XPS data. New experimental findings on mineral–solution interfaces are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corrosion behaviour of AlN and TiAlN coatings on iron
Authors: Marco J. F. , Agudelo A. C. , Gancedo J. R. , Auger M. A. , Sánchez O. , Albella J. M.
Published: March 2006

We have studied the corrosion behaviour of AlN and TiAlN coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering on pure iron substrates. The samples have been subjected to two different corrosion tests: (i) a Prohesion test and (ii) an accelerated corrosion test in constantly humid SO2‐polluted atmospheres. The transformations induced in the coatings by the aggressive environments have been followed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that under the corrosion conditions of the Prohesion test, the TiAlN coatings confer on the substrate a more efficient protection than the AlN coatings. Under the conditions of the accelerated corrosion tests in SO2‐polluted atmospheres, the behaviour of both coatings is very similar in the initial stages since in both cases the corrosion of the underlying iron occurs just after 1 day of exposure to the aggressive conditions. However, it seems that once the corrosion has started it progresses faster under the AlN coating than under the TiAlN coating. The XPS results also show that the TiAlN coating is more chemically inert than the AlN coating, which suffers chemical transformations under the influence of the two different aggressive conditions considered. The better performance of the TiAlN coating is attributed to its denser microstructure since these AlN coatings have been observed to grow in a more open columnar structure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of polymer thin films deposited on aluminum films by the combined optical method and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Franta Daniel , Ohlídal Ivan , Klapetek Petr , Nepustilová Růžena , Bajer Svatopluk
Published: March 2006

In this paper, the results of the optical characterization of polymer thin films, deposited by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on the aluminum films performed by the multisample modification of the optical method based on combination of variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and near‐normal spectroscopic reflectometry, are presented. Within this characterization, the existence of roughness of the boundaries of the polymer films is taken into account by means of the Rayleigh–Rice theory. The optical constants of these films are described by the dispersion model based on parameterization of the density of electronic states. It is shown that the optical constants of the polymer films depend on their thicknesses, i.e. on the deposition times. Morphology of the upper boundaries of the polymer films is also studied using atomic force microscopy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical determination of the surface excitation parameter from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Pauly N. , Tougaard S. , Yubero F.
Published: March 2006

The surface excitation parameter (SEP) is determined by analysis of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) model developed by Simonsen, Yubero and Tougaard (Phys. Rev. B. 1997; 56: 1612). The model includes excitation due to the static core hole as well as the effect of the surface. The only input in the model is the dielectric function of the medium. More precisely, the SEP is extracted from the theoretical spectrum by calculating the ratio between the surface loss part of the spectrum and the elastic peak intensity. The angular distributions of the SEP are calculated for aluminium and silicon for photoelectrons of 1 and 3.4 keV energy. The SEP for XPS is found to be slightly (5–10%) smaller compared to that for reflection‐electron‐energy‐loss spectroscopy (REELS) calculated within the same model, and this difference is ascribed to the effect of the static core hole. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS study of supported gold catalysts: the role of Au0 and Au+δ species as active sites
Authors: Casaletto M. P. , Longo A. , Martorana A. , Prestianni A. , Venezia A. M.
Published: March 2006

Gold nanoparticles supported on different oxides (SiO2, CeO2 and TiO2) were prepared by the SMAD (solvated metal atom dispersion) and deposition–precipitation (DP) techniques. The physical and chemical characterization of the catalysts was performed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and the catalytic activity was tested during the reaction of low temperature CO oxidation. The structural and surface analyses evidenced the presence of small gold crystallites (cluster size ∼2–5 nm) in all the SMAD‐prepared samples and oxidized gold species in the case of the DP catalysts. A different surface distribution of ionic gold species was found on the different supports. By comparing the catalytic activities of the samples, the presence of Au+1 species seems to be the main requisite for the achievement of the highest CO conversion at the lowest temperature. The higher activity of Au/CeO2(DP) catalysts at T ≈ 250 K can be ascribed to a better stabilization of the AuO− species by the cerium oxide. Nanosized metallic gold particles exhibit a worse catalytic performance, both on ‘reducible’ and ‘inert’ supports, being significantly active only in the temperature range: 400–600 K. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of phosphorus enrichment at grain boundaries on energy of intergranular fracture in Fe–Si–P alloys
Authors: Janovec J. , Pokluda J. , Jenko M. , Lejček P. , Vlach B. , Horníková J.
Published: March 2006

Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) of in situ fractured samples was used to determine the grain boundary concentrations of phosphorus and silicon in polycrystalline Fe–Si–P alloys annealed at 800 °C for 100 h. These measurements were supplemented by mechanical testing and evaluation of fracture surfaces to obtain values of the energy of intergranular fracture. The effect of segregated phosphorus on the energy of intergranular fracture is discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the matrix on the chemical surface bonds of ZnS and CdS nanoclusters obtained by chemical synthesis
Authors: Mirenghi Luciana , Antolini Francesco , Tapfer Leander
Published: March 2006

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanocrystals were grown following three different chemical synthesis routes. In particular, the nanocrystals were synthesized byin situthermolysis (∼300 °C) starting from a metal thiolate (i) in a solventless way, (ii) by a novel route in trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), and (iii) by direct synthesis in a polystyrene matrix. The formation of cadmium sulfide (zinc sulfide) nanocrystals and the chemistry of the organic/nanocrystal (polymer/nanocrystal) composites were investigated in detail by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, X‐ray diffraction analyses (XRD) were performed in order to determine the crystallographic structure and the average size of the nanocrystals.

The precursor powders (Cd(SR)2and Zn(SR)2) of both II–VI compounds were analysed after annealing in different atmospheres (air, nitrogen, vacuum) at 300 °C (in situthermolysis) in order to establish the starting of the nanocrystal formation process.

All the three chemical routes employed and investigated here, showed the formation of CdS (and ZnS) nanocrystals. X‐ray diffraction analyses evidenced that under optimized growth conditions single crystal nanoclusters of zinc‐blende structure and of diameter between${\oslash} = 1.5$and 3.0 nm (depending on the annealing temperature and time) are formed. Very good and promising results were obtained by the novel route in TOPO that revealed that sulfur has only one component on the S 2p unresolved doublet (at about 161.6 eV ±0.2) associated to the metal‐sulfide bond, i.e. the Cd(Zn)–S nanocrystals are capped by metal‐sulfide‐TOPO chains. CdS and ZnS nanocrystals embedded in a polystyrene matrix were also successfully prepared and the XPS analyses revealed, in particular, that the sulfur doublet signal is split at least into two peaks, compatible with S in CdS structure and with S bonded to organic residues with energies of 161.66 and 166.98 eV respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thin film a‐C/Pt nanocomposite catalysts for toxic gas sensors
Authors: Baranov A. , Fanchenko S. , Calliari L. , Speranza G. , Minati L. , Kharitonov S. , Fedoseenkov D. , Shorokhov A. , Nefedov A.
Published: March 2006

We compare the sensitivity of electrochemical gas sensors employing either traditional working electrodes based on platinum black or new working electrodes based on a‐C/Pt films deposited by magnetron sputtering (MS). The new electrodes are shown to be five times less sensitive as compared to the traditional ones. However, their Pt content is about 25 times less as compared to traditional electrodes, which suggests a more efficient use of Pt. Morphological, compositional and structural investigations are performed to understand the electrochemical behaviour of the two electrodes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multi‐analytical investigation on medieval pottery from Caltagirone (Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Casaletto M. P. , Chiozzini G. , De Caro T. , Ingo G. M.
Published: March 2006

A multi‐analytical approach was used to investigate Medieval and post‐medieval (thirteenth‐seventeenth century) ceramic artefacts from archaeological excavations at Caltagirone (Sicily, Italy). The chemical, structural and micro‐morphological characterizations were carried out by the combined use of surface‐sensitive techniques, such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and bulk analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Fragments of basins, bowls, vases of great historical and archaeological interest as the first Sicilian evidences of such polychromatic decorations were sampled in different conservation conditions. In order to characterize the conservation state and determine the possible causes of alteration and/or degradation phenomena, for each sample both the ceramic body and the polychromatic glaze of the artefacts were studied. The presence on some artefacts of a lead glaze, which is typical of Islamic ceramics, suggested the use of manufacturing techniques directly derived from the Islamic domination in Sicily, even beyond the ninth century. Degradation phenomena such as the partial devitrification of the glaze, i.e. the slow structural reorganization towards stable crystalline phases, and the leaching by mineral dissolution in the soil, were determined by surface and bulk analysis results. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anodic oxidation of silver in 1 M NaOH: electrochemistry, ex situ XPS and in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Lützenkirchen‐Hecht Dirk , Strehblow Hans‐Henning
Published: March 2006

We have investigated the electrochemical formation of oxide layers on silver in 1 M NaOH (pH 13.8) using a combination of electrochemical techniques, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface sensitive grazing incidence X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). While the XPS experiments were performed after the removal of the samples from the electrolyte and transfer into an ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) system under inert conditions, the XAS experiments were performed in situ and under full potential control. The application of these techniques leads to a detailed, consistent picture of the anodic oxide layer formation process on silver. All the applied techniques proved that the anodic oxidation starts at potentials lower than the corresponding Nernst potential. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) investigations suggest that the underpotential Ag+ oxide layer of some few nanometres thickness has a rather disordered structure. Time resolved XPS and EXAFS experiments have shown that the growth of these disordered layers is diffusion controlled, i.e. the thickness increases with the square root of the oxidation time. For moderately higher potentials, i.e. slightly above the Nernst equilibrium potential, the thickness of the silver(I) oxide layer increases rapidly with potential and the structure is very similar to that of crystalline Ag2O. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The peculiarities of electronic structure of Si nanocrystals formed in SiO2 and Al2O3 matrix with and without P doping
Authors: Kovalev Anatoly , Wainstein Dmitry , Tetelbaum David , Mikhailov Alexey
Published: March 2006

The system of the nanoinclusions of Si in the SiO2 and Al2O3 matrixes (SiO2:Si, Al2O3:Si) attracts great attention owing to its ability to the luminesce in the visible and near‐IR range of the spectrum. The influence of P‐ion alloying on the electronic structure of nanocomposites was investigated. The P‐ion doping and post‐annealing at T = 1000 °C (2 hours) result in the enhancement of the photoluminescence (PL) peak connected with the Si nanocrystals. The electronic structure was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high‐resolution electron energy losses spectroscopy (HREELS) methods. Ion surface modification and annealing form the special nanostructure with Si nanocrystals in SiO2 and Al2O3 matrixes having high density of interfaces with special atomic structure and various degree of oxidation of Si atoms on the boundaries. HREELS investigations show that P‐ion doping increases the probability of interband transitions in SiO2:Si and Al2O3:Si composites. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interfacial reactions between In–48Sn solder and electroless nickel/immersion gold substrate during reflow process
Authors: Koo Ja‐Myeong , Yoon Jeong‐Won , Jung Seung‐Boo
Published: March 2006

In this study, the interfacial reactions of In–48Sn solder balls on an electroless Ni/immersion Au (ENIG) ball grid array (BGA) substrate during reflow at 170 °C for up to 1800 s were investigated using SEM, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscope (EDS) analyses. During the initial 10 s of the reflow process, AuIn2 cubes and a continuous Ni3(Sn,In)4 intermetallic compound (IMC) layer were formed at the interface between the solder and the substrate. The thickness of the Ni3(Sn,In)4 layer was found to increase from approximately 140 nm to 1 µm, as the reflow time increased from 10 to 1800 s, respectively. The transformation of Ni to form the Ni3(Sn,In)4 IMC led to the formation of a P‐rich Ni (hereafter Ni3P) layer between the Ni3(Sn,In)4 IMC and the ENIG substrate, whose thickness increased with increasing the reflow time. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of polymer brushes by atom transfer radical polymerization on glassy carbon modified by electro‐grafted initiators based on aryl diazonium salts
Authors: Matrab T. , Chehimi M. M. , Pinson J. , Slomkowski S. , Basinska T.
Published: March 2006

Poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, and polyglycidol brushes (PMMA, PS and PGL, respectively) were grown on glassy carbon (GC) plates that were modified by the electrochemical reduction of the diazonium salt BF4−, +N2C6H4CH(CH3)Br. The grafted C6H4CH(CH3)Br species were effective in surface‐initiating atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) of the vinyl monomers. The structure of the polymer brushes was characterized by XPS. Static contact angles of water drops on PS, PGL and PMMA brushes were 89.5 ± 2.0, 75.1 ± 7.0 and 83.5 ± 1.4°, respectively. The polymer brushes were further evaluated as adsorbents of human serum albumin (HSA). Protein adsorption decreased in the order PS > PGL ∼ PMMA. This highlights the resistance of PGL to protein adsorption. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excitations of bulk and surface plasmons in solids and nanostructures
Authors: Gervasoni Juana L.
Published: March 2006

In this work, recent studies on the interaction of charged particles with bulk and surface plasmons in systems ranging from macroscopic to nanoscopic scales are summarized. The differences and similarities that arise when the size of the system is modified are analyzed. In particular, the strong interference effects in the excitation of plasmons that arise from the interaction of particles with nanoscale systems are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydrogen plasma immersion ion implantation of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Tóth A. , Mohai M. , Ujvári T. , Bertóti I.
Published: March 2006

Ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was treated by hydrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). Accelerating voltages (U) between 15 and 30 kV, fluences (F) between 1 × 1017 and 3 × 1017 cm−2 with fluence rates (FR) between 3 × 1013 and 7 × 1013 cm−2 s−1 were applied. The surface chemical characterisation was performed by XPS. Nanomechanical properties like hardness (H), reduced modulus (E) and slope of scratch (S) of the untreated and modified surfaces were characterised by nanoindentation and nanoscratch measurements.

The results demonstrate that hydrogen PIII‐treatment can significantly and favourably modify the nanomechanical properties of UHMWPE. The dependence of these properties on the main process parameters has been determined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS MultiQuant: a step towards expert systems
Authors: Mohai M.
Published: March 2006

A thorough evaluation of photoelectron spectra is impossible without involvement of data systems. It is advantageous if the different programmes are easily able to communicate with each other. This connectivity may also serve as a base for future expert systems. The well‐known VAMAS file format provides the first necessary step, converting the spectra into forms portable between various platforms.

In this paper, a new file format, the XPS Reduced Data Exchange File, is proposed, which defines an ‘interface’ between programs to transfer the derived XPS data.

XPS MultiQuant, which can be used routinely together with various spectrum processing packages to improve the flexibility and precision of quantitative calculations, is a typical target application requiring transfer of reduced experimental data (e.g., selected elements, line position, intensity data, etc.). The latest version of XPS MultiQuant already implements the XPS Reduced Data Exchange Files proposed here, to transfer necessary data between programs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature dependence of band alignments in ultrathin Hf–Al–O and Al2O3 films on p‐Si (100)
Authors: Jin H. , Oh S. K. , Kang H. J. , Lee Y. S. , Cho M. H.
Published: March 2006

Annealing temperature dependence of band alignments in Hf–Al–O and Al2O3 thin films, grown on p‐Si(100) by atomic layer deposition (ALD), has been studied by utilizing XPS and reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS). Band gaps and valence band offsets were estimated from the onset of REELS and valence band spectra of XPS, respectively. Hf–Al–O thin film is found to have asymmetric barrier heights for electrons and holes and reveals an increasing trend in the conduction band offsets after annealing treatment, while Al2O3 film shows a nearly symmetric band offsets. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the (sub)surface of commercially pure rolled aluminium alloys by means of total reflectance, r.f. GDOES, SEM/EDX and FIB/TEM analysis
Authors: Buytaert G. , Terryn H. , Van Gils S. , Kernig B. , Grzemba B. , Mertens M.
Published: March 2006

Rolling is known to alter surface properties of aluminium alloys and to introduce disturbed subsurface layers. These layers are characterised by a refined grain structure, rolled‐in oxide particles, a fine distribution of intermetallic particles and various voids and cracks.

In previous studies, mostly higher alloyed materials have been investigated. Here, the subsurface of a commercially pure rolled aluminium alloy (99.5% Al) is characterised. Hot and cold rolled sheets, with and without additional annealing are investigated.

Measuring total reflectance (TR) of progressively etched samples is used as an optical depth profiling method to derive the thickness of disturbed layers. The in‐depth behaviour of alloying, trace and impurity elements in the subsurface regions is studied with quantitative radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (r.f. GDOES). The bottom of glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES) craters at various depths is investigated with SEM/EDX. Focused ion beam (FIB) thinning is employed to prepare site‐specific cross‐sectional TEM specimens. Analytical TEM is used to investigate the thickness, microstructure and composition of the disturbed subsurface.

It can be concluded that rolled commercially pure aluminium exhibits disturbed subsurface layers, consisting of a mixture of Al2O3 and metallic aluminium particles, with cracks and voids. These layers are introduced during hot rolling, and reduced in thickness and redistributed over the surface during subsequent cold rolling. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of surface ionization to determine rate constant and activation energy of dissociation reactions of nitrogen base polyatomic molecules on W oxides
Authors: Rakhmanov G. , Rasulev U. Kh. , Saidumarov I.
Published: March 2006

Adsorption and surface ionization of procaine, imipramine, amitriptyline and tetraethylammonium chloride on oxidized tungsten surface have been studied by the methods of voltage modulation and flux modulation under identical experimental conditions with the high‐vacuum mass‐spectrometric set up having a ‘black’ chamber with the walls cooled with liquid nitrogen. Rate constants and activation energies of dissociation reaction of initially adsorbed molecules by (C–C)β bonds with formation of radicals to be ionized have been defined. Also, rate constants and activation energy of desorption of these radicals as ions (CH3)2N+CH2 and (C2H5)2N+CH2 have been determined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TOF‐SIMS depth profiling study of corrosion propagation in coated hollow spheres
Authors: Oriňáková Renáta , Oriňák Andrej , Arlinghaus Heinrich F. , Hellweg Sebastian , Kupková Miriam , Strečková Magdaléna
Published: March 2006

Metallic foams and cellular materials prepared by sintering hollow metallic particles belong to the relatively new group of materials with extremely low density and extraordinary combination of mechanical, electrical, thermal and acoustic properties. Electrochemical deposition of metallic coatings on the surface of hollow spherical particles facilitates the required modification of the surface corresponding to high mechanical quality.

Copper hollow spheres were obtained from porous iron powder particles by a cementation process. The suitable matrix for the preparation of relatively light but mechanically strong porous materials was obtained by electrochemically plating hollow copper microparticles by a Ni layer. The propagation of corrosion throughout the coated copper particles was examined.

In this study, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS) depth profiling was used to investigate the distribution of the coating components and corrosion products across the surface and on the subsurface layer of coated hollow particles. Fe hollow particles were examined as a reference system.

Our observations indicate that the corrosion results in metallic (Fe, Ni, Cu) oxidic, hydroxidic and chloridic species in the corroded substrate. Significant content of iron as well nickel and copper was registered on the outer surface layer after the corrosion test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Cr on initial thermal oxidation and its kinetics on Si (001) surfaces
Authors: Shimizu H. , Sato T.
Published: March 2006

The influence of Cr and the growth kinetics in the first stages of the thermal oxidation of Si (001) from 600 to 900 °C in a dry oxygen ambient were investigated using ellipsometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). On oxidation at 810 °C, the oxide growth of samples contaminated with Cr (‘Cr’) was initially enhanced during the first 120 min, the growth curves of the ‘Cr’ and samples rinsed in RCA (‘RCA’) ‘crossed over’, with the commencement of growth retardation. During the initial oxidation, Cr acted as a catalyst to assist the Si–O reaction on the surface of Si, thereby enhancing the oxide growth. As the oxidation advanced, Cr atoms were found to be mainly concentrated close to the surface of the SiO2. Thus, a Cr‐rich SiO2 layer acts as a diffusion barrier for oxygen species, resulting in growth retardation. Regarding the oxidation kinetics, a discontinuity in the thermal oxidation rate was observed at 760 °C. Below 760 °C, the activation energy for the ‘RCA’ samples was determined to be 0.27 eV, indicating the oxidation of the second atomic layers of Si. For the ‘Cr’ samples (0.05 eV), the Cr atom lowers the energy barrier to breaking the bonds of the first Si–Si layer by the catalytic role. Above 760 °C, the activation energy obtained for the ‘RCA’ samples was found to be 1.58 eV, which corresponds to the bulk diffusion mechanism. For the ‘Cr’ samples, the activation energy was measured as 0.46 eV, which is close to the second atomic layer. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of an OTS self‐assembled monolayer on the wear‐resistant properties of polysilicon based MEMS
Authors: Baker M. A. , Li J.
Published: March 2006

Polysilicon MEMS structures are coated with self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) to reduce stiction and improve wear resistance. This study reports on an octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) coated low‐pressure chemical vapour deposited (LPCVD) polysilicon based MEMS test structure fabricated at Sandia National Laboratories, USA. The surface morphology and OTS layer have been studied by SEM, XPS and AFM. Nanowear properties were investigated using a diamond‐tipped cantilever AFM. The presence of OTS is confirmed by XPS and AFM measurements and the polysilicon/OTS interface is found to be vulnerable to hydrolysis when stored under laboratory conditions. A comparison is made between the wear resistance of the OTS‐coated and uncoated surfaces of the MEMS polysilicon components and silicon nitride substrate. Nanowear results were also obtained for CVD polysilicon and silicon nitride layers and a silicon wafer. The presence of the OTS layer was found to enhance the wear properties of the MEMS polysilicon and silicon nitride layers, with an increase in the wear resistance of up to two times for the MEMS polysilicon and up to three times for the MEMS silicon nitride. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanism of delamination of a polyamide coating modified with an aminosilane
Authors: Guichenuy Marianne , Watts John F. , Abel Marie‐Laure , Audenaert Marc
Published: March 2006

Previous articles have reported the progress made in enhancing the durability of a polyamide powder coating through the incorporation of an aminosilane. This work has been extended, and this paper is concerned mainly with the use of high mass resolution ToF‐SIMS to refine the understanding of the role of the aminosilane in enhancing adhesion.

After delamination of the coatings in a salt‐spray cabinet, the presence of silane is easily detected on both sides of the failed interface. The silane has cross‐linked; fragments attributed to this polymerisation are observed on the delaminated coatings and the exposed steel.

At nominal mass 100, a peak assigned to FeOSi+ fragment is readily observed and can be attributed to the formation of a covalent bond between iron and silane and the presence of an iron silicon oxide. The silicon Auger parameter obtained on the steel surface is consistent with this hypothesis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Work‐function imaging of oriented copper grains by photoemission
Authors: Renault O. , Brochier R. , Roule A. , Haumesser P.‐H. , Krömker B. , Funnemann D.
Published: March 2006

We measured the work function of micrograins at the surface of a polycrystalline copper sample using NanoESCA, a photoelectron microscope equipped with two analysers in series. This allowed us to obtain accurate spectroscopic information with energy‐filtered images showing lateral resolutions of 40 nm. Reconstructed microspectra directly show variations in the local work function of grains having different crystalline orientation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of angle‐resolved XPS for characterisation of SiC/Ni2Si thin film systems
Authors: Pérez‐García S. A. , Nyborg L.
Published: March 2006

Ultrathin nickel silicide layers (3 nm) on SiC, heat‐treated at 800 and 950 °C, were analysed by means of angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) in order to characterise the systems. The core level spectra of Si, C and Ni were correlated with the modelling of the arrangement of the surface layers. The model derived from this suggests that the silicide formed covers the SiC only in part (less than about half) and that the graphite forms a thin (<1 nm) layer on top of the whole surface. The model agrees fairly well with the relative amount of phases expected from the mass balance of the reaction between the initial Ni layer (1.2 nm) and the SiC substrate. Electronic structure was also investigated from the valence band spectra. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring the energy of the graphite π + σ plasmon peak
Authors: Filippi M. , Calliari L.
Published: March 2006

We examine the graphite plasmon loss structure in reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS) and XPS with respect to the issue of measuring the energy, Ep, of the π + σ plasmon peak. The two spectra differ in shape because they are based on different physical processes. In fact, a static core hole—leading to intrinsic (in addition to extrinsic) losses—exists only for XPS. We show that no single energy can be measured on the two spectra for the π + σ peak. Possible procedures to deal with the matter are considered. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of the surface chemistry of soda‐lime glass in vacuum
Authors: So L. , Ng N. , Bilek M. , Pigram P. J. , Brack N.
Published: March 2006

The surface chemistry of heat‐treated soda‐lime glass surfaces in vacuum was studied with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was shown to vary greatly, in terms of carbon content, with different preparation environments before analysis. Specially designed miniature evacuated glass panels were used and a lever device was incorporated into the XPS system for in situ sample breakage. A considerable amount of carbon was found on glass surfaces exposed to air before XPS. Less carbon was found on surfaces exposed to an argon environment, and an even smaller amount of carbon could be detected when samples were broken in situ. The atomic percentage of carbon‐related compounds is found to increase with increasing air exposure time. This study shows that when analysing carbon and its related compounds on the inner glass surfaces of any evacuated device, it is important to break the sample in situ to minimise carbon contamination. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface basicity of ceria‐supported lanthana. Influence of the calcination temperature
Authors: Bernal S. , Blanco G. , El Amarti A. , Cifredo G. , Fitian L. , Galtayries A. , Martín J. , Pintado J. M.
Published: March 2006

The surface basicity of pure ceria is strongly enhanced by the presence of the supported La2O3, the effect being very much influenced by the calcination temperature. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and La 3d5/2 XPS data for the different samples show a progressive incorporation of La3+ into the ceria lattice as the calcination temperature is increased. This structural change is considered to be responsible for the modifications that occurred in the basicity of the lanthana‐modified ceria samples as revealed by temperature‐programmed desorption‐mass spectrometry (TPD‐MS) of pre‐adsorbed CO2. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deposition of ultrathin organic films on various carbon surfaces using vacuum vapor deposition
Authors: Choi Junho , Kato Takahisa , Nakao Setsuo , Ikeyama Masami , Kawaguchi Masahiro
Published: March 2006

In this report, we describe the bonding characteristics of a model lubricant, perfluoro‐1‐decanol (P1D), having a hydroxyl end group, toward N and Si incorporated amorphous carbon surfaces. The P1D is deposited on the carbon surfaces using vacuum vapor deposition, and the P1D bonding toward the carbon surfaces is compared to that deposited by immersion, a traditional deposition method. The P1D molecules are strongly bonded to the carbon surfaces by the vacuum vapor deposition, whereas the bondings are minimal in the case of immersion. The N and Si incorporation enhances the bonding of P1D toward the carbon surfaces. This is due to the change in the surface structure of the hydrogen‐terminated carbon surfaces by N and Si incorporation into the carbon network, which increases the adsorption sites on the carbon surfaces. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of improved adhesion between Cu film and polyimide by the PSII‐EIAMAD technique
Authors: Lee Yeonhee , Hong Ju Hi , Chun Hyejin , Han Seunghee
Published: March 2006

Plasma source ion implantation (PSII) is a relatively simple and effective ion implantation/deposition technique for the surface modification of materials. In PSII, a substrate is immersed in the plasma, and negative, high‐voltage pulses are applied to accelerate ions into the substrate in order to modify the surface properties of materials.

PSII technique combined with energetic ion‐assisted mixing and deposition (EIAMAD) was used to improve the adhesion between the Cu film and polyimide. Cu films processed with ion‐assisted mixing showed higher adhesion strength than that of not processed or plasma‐cleaned ones. Cu films on polyimide substrate were deposited by using different ion species to investigate the ion effect on the interface mixing. Argon ion bombardment led to more adhesive and gradient layers as a function of ion energy and ion dose. The adhesion strength was determined by the 90° peel test. The characterization of Cu‐deposited polyimide, generated with ion‐assisted mixing by PSII, was performed by AES, SEM, and AFM. Our results suggested that PSII‐EIAMAD was a very useful method to grow Cu films with good adhesion properties on polyimide at room temperature. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Observation of the hydrogen peak in the spectra of electrons backscattered from polyethylene
Authors: Varga D. , Tőkési K. , Berényi Z. , Tóth J. , Kövér L.
Published: March 2006

The energy distribution of electrons backscattered elastically from polyethylene is studied. The separation between the carbon and hydrogen peak in the energy distribution is shown. Furthermore, the effect of the multiple scattering on the energy shifts and Doppler broadenings is determined using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Our MC simulations are in good agreement with our experimental observations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanomechanical property analysis of fast atom beam (FAB) treated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Ujvári T. , Tóth A. , Mohai M. , Bertóti I.
Published: March 2006

Thin, modified surface layers were created on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) by treating them with low‐energy (∼1 keV) fast atom beams (FAB) of argon, helium, hydrogen and nitrogen. Nanomechanical properties including multipass wear characteristics, dry friction coefficient and topography (roughness) were measured on these modified surfaces. As a result of FAB treatment, the volume loss—calculated from the geometrical characteristics of the Rockwell head and from the depth of the permanent scratch track—could decrease by more than 1 order of magnitude, implying a similar increase in the wear resistance. FAB treatment increased also the dry friction coefficient, while the mean roughness was not altered significantly. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the interpretation of ToF‐SIMS measurements on adsorbed proteins using PCA
Authors: Brüning C. , Hellweg S. , Dambach S. , Lipinsky D. , Arlinghaus H. F.
Published: March 2006

Analyzing different proteins with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) is a big challenge owing to the absence of unique, identifying peaks between the protein spectra. One possibility for improving the interpretation of the protein spectra is the application of principal component analysis (PCA). The proteins fibronectin and collagen and three fibronectin–collagen mixtures, adsorbed on smooth silicon substrates, were analyzed with ToF‐SIMS. The intensities of molecular protein fragment signals were used to perform a PCA calculation. It was shown that PCA could clearly distinguish the various protein mixtures. From the loadings, it was possible to draw conclusions about the peak intensity distribution. Furthermore, PCA was found to be an appropriate statistical tool to identify outlier. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkali ion intercalation in V2O5: preparation and laboratory characterization of thin films produced by ALD
Authors: Donsanti F. , Kostourou K. , Decker F. , Ibris N. , Salvi A. M. , Liberatore M. , Thissen A. , Jaegerman W. , Lincot D.
Published: March 2006

Thin films of V2O5 act as performant alkali ion storage material, with applications mostly in Li microbatteries or in electrochromic windows. Oxide films less than 100 nm thick have been obtained by the Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) method. The alkali ion insertion has been performed either via an electrochemical cathodic reaction in a non‐aqueous solvent, or from the vapour phase in a vacuum chamber at RT. Both experimental procedures promoted the insertion of large amounts of the alkali ion with consequent reduction of the oxidation state of V, from 5+ to 4+ and even to 3+, measured with XPS‐UPS. The reversibility of this reaction was a function of the amount of ionic charge inserted, of the substrate used (FTO, Cr‐coated glass) and of the heat treatment adopted for the ALD film. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.