Ion beam surface treatment: A new technique for thermally modifying surfaces using intense, pulsed ion beams Page: 1 of 11
This article is part of the collection entitled: Office of Scientific & Technical Information Technical Reports and was provided to UNT Digital Library by the UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Sf/9N r 9 -0 11 L
Ion Beam Surface Treatment: A New Technique For Thermally
Modifying Surfaces Using Intense, Pulsed Ion Beams
R. W. Stinnett, R. G. Buchheit, E. L. Neau, M. T. Crawford, K. P. Lamppa, T. J. Renk
Sandia National Laboratories
Albuquerque, NM 87185-5800
John B. Greenly, Ian Boyd, M. O. Thompson
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
D. J. Rej, Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM 87545
Abstract
The emerging capability to produce high average power (10-300 kW) pulsed ion beams at 0.2-2
MeV energies is enabling us to develop a new, commercial-scale thermal surface treatment
technology called Ion Beam Surface Treatment (IBEST). This new technique uses high energy,
pulsed (:500 ns) ion beams to directly deposit energy in the top 1-20 micrometers of the surface
of any material. The depth of treatment is controllable by varying the ion energy and species.
Deposition of the energy in a thin surface layer allows melting of the layer with relatively small
energies (1-10 J/cm2) and allows rapid cooling of the melted layer by thermal conduction into
the underlying substrate. Typical cooling rates of this process (109 K/sec) are sufficient to cause
amorphous layer formation and the production of non-equilibrium microstructures (nano-
crystalline and metastable phases). Results from initial experiments confirm surface hardening,
amorphous layer and nanocrystaline grain size formation, corrosion resistance in stainless steel
and aluminum, metal surface polishing, controlled melt of ceramic surfaces, and surface cleaning
and oxide layer removal as well as surface ablation and redeposition. These results follow other
encouraging results obtained previously in Russia using single pulse ion beam systems.
Potential commercialization of this surface treatment capability is made possible by the
combination of two new technologies, a new repetitive high energy pulsed power capability (0.2-
2MV, 25-50 kA, 60 ns, 120 Hz) developed at SNL, and a new repetitive ion beam system
developed at Cornell University.
Introduction
Recent advances in high average power, pulsed ion beam systems are enabling a new technology to achieve rapid
melt and resolidification of surfaces. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and Cornell University have
developed the capability to produce 5-350 kW average power, pulsed ion beams at 0.2-2 MeV energies using a
repetitively pulsed (up to 120 Hz) concept designed for long component lifetimes. This new capability is
enabling us to develop a commercial-scale thermal surface treatment technology called Ion Beam Surface
Treatment (IBEST). This new technique uses high energy, pulsed (typically 5 200 ns) ion beams to directly
deposit energy in the top 2-20 micrometers of the surface of any material. The depth of treatment is controllable
by varying the ion energy and species. Deposition of the energy in a thin surface layer (Figure 1) allows melting
or vaporization of the layer with relatively small energies (1-10 J/cm2 for metal surfaces) and allows rapid
cooling of the melted layer by thermal diffusion into the underlying substrate. Solidification of metals at the
cooling rates typical of this process (109 K/sec) results in the production of non-equilibrium microstructures
(nano-crystalline and metastable phases) in the surface layer. Experiments with both laser and ion beams1-8 have
shown that surfaces produced by this rapid thermal quenching have significantly improved corrosion, wear, and
hardness properties. A recent review article9 details the results of early single-pulse laboratory experiments using
high power ion beams to produce both melting and resolidification and ablation and shock waves to produce
enhanced surface properties. Results from these experiments include improvements in wear resistance in machine
tools, and successful interface mixing of treated deposited layers. These previous results provide an encouraging
background for new experiments demonstrating the broad applications of surface treatment with ions beams and
the new capability to conduct this treatment on a commercial scale.
M ASTER
DISTRIBUTION OF THIS DOCUMENT IS UNLIMITED
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This article can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Article.
Stinnett, R.W.; Buchheit, R.G. & Neau, E.L. Ion beam surface treatment: A new technique for thermally modifying surfaces using intense, pulsed ion beams, article, August 1, 1995; Albuquerque, New Mexico. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc621538/m1/1/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.