What is "Surface Modification"?

A brief definition of “surface modification” is to have the surface properties of any applicants from different materials be modified. Purposes of surface modification include enhancing anti-corrosive properties, electrical conductivities, bioactivities, and also, outside looking of the applicants. Because of those factors, Surface Modification is important to the industrial world.

How do we modify the surface properties of the materials?

The methods to surface modifications vary with different materials, which we call them “substrates.” Electroplating process, conversion coating process, anodic oxidation process, and so on are some of the most popular methods of surface modification.

What are the substrate materials?

We are now focusing on several kinds of stainless steels, magnesium-based alloys, titanium-based alloys, and so on. Different concepts should be concerned with different substrate materials.

Examples of surface modification...

When titanium and its alloys play a role of implant applicants, having a calcium- and phosphorus-containing oxide layer on them can further enhance the bioactivity of the implant applicants. On the other hand, the conversion coating on magnesium alloys can be very protective to the substrate, which is relatively easy to be corroded.

How do we analyze the experimental results?

The most important methods to analysis the experimental results in the lab would be transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Besides, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction techniques (XRD), and so on, are also frequently performed.

What do we do in the lab?

Beside performing an experiment, the ability to design a experiment is also very important. Having some literature review, discussing with other group members and doing some works will make a wonderful lab day.