Speaker
Description
“Effects of X-ray Exposure on Physical Characteristics of Metallic Thin Films”
Dorothy Doughty & Dr. Jeffery Hettinger
This experiment is designed to understand the impacts of broad spectrum radiation on metallic films with emphasis on corrosion resistance. There was an analysis of depositions of films on a silicon substrate: Copper, Titanium, Titanium Nitride, Silver, and Aluminum. These deposition samples were analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy then irradiated through a rhodium x-ray source. These atomic compositions of these samples were compared before and after x-ray exposure and determined to have an increase in oxygen composition after x-ray exposure. These x-rayed films underwent a series of acid etching tests and the x-rayed samples had an increased resistivity to corrosion. The resistivity was visual in decreased pitting in the x-rayed films. The composition of the oxide layer was analyzed through the Scanning Electron Microscope and the oxide layer was visually present in Copper when x-rayed in an oxygen rich environment. This experiment showed an increase in oxygen content for all materials irradiated with a rhodium source. Evidence suggests x-rays induced a reaction at the surface which creates an oxide layer for all materials investigated. In most instances, the oxide layer forms a corrosion resistant surface layer. Limited evidence suggests an improvement in adhesion resulting from oxygen availability at the coating and substrate interface.
**Research Paid for by Rowan University Summer Undergraduate Research Project
