Interfacial Characterization of Self-assembled Nanoparticle (SNAP) Film Depsoited on Al and AA2024
EMSL Project ID
2210
Abstract
BACKGROUND - We have recently discovered a revolutionary new sol-gel approach using a pre-formed, Self-assembled NAno-phase Particle (SNAP) process to form nanostructured environmentally benign organic surface treatments for aerospace aluminum alloys has been reported. The SNAP process is water-based and environmentally benign, and relys on an aqueous solution processes to generate nanoscale particles with an inorganic core and an organic exterior. We have worked primarily in silane based materials up to this point. Organic reagents are used to cross-link the particles, forming a protective, thin coating on the substrate. Complete discussion of the results are presented in a manuscript which is accepted for publication in Journal of Coatings Technology (JCT). OBJECTIVE - We need to develop clear spectroscopic evidence of the nature of the chemical bond at the SNAP coating / metal-oxide interface. Results (salt spray tests and boiling water test) of the initial SNAP coating studies were very promising in the area of coating adhesion. Films were found to have tenacious adhesion to the aluminum substrate, indicating a strong chemical interaction as opposed to hydrogen bonding. However, determining the exact nature of the chemical bond between the SNAP coating and the Al substrate is nontrivial. APPROACH - We propose to examine the interface bonding with TOF-SIMS. SNAP coatings will be applied to thin AA6061 sheet stock using solution concentration and the speed of the dipcoater to apply thin - hopefully, much less than 1 micron thick - coatings. We will cut samples into 1 cm square specimens for TOF-SIMS analysis. The SIMS mass peaks of interest are those AlOSi type fragments that might be coming from an aluminum oxide organic surface.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2001-04-17
End Date
2004-04-25
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator