Saturday, July 30, 2011

Surface Protection Enhances Nano-Application

Nano-surface treatments are important for protecting metals against corrosion  and wear. The focus is on nano-porous anodic oxides and their potential application in nanotechnological systems

Porous anodic oxides are attracting attention for use in photonic crystals, sensors and solar cells. They also optimise the function of metal surfaces. 
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Applications include aluminium in aerospace, electronics and packaging, and any area where energy reduction and the environmental compliance of processes are critical considerations.

The EU-funded ‘Nano-porous anodic oxides for functionalisation of metal surfaces’ (Nanoxid) project studies the mechanisms involved in the formation of nano-porous anodic oxides. Researchers are taking part in a collaborative activity bringing together the host organisation, the University of Manchester, and the Institut des Nano Sciences de Paris.

Experimental work aims to uncover how oxide dissolution and oxide flow contribute to the generation and ordering of pores. Long-range pore order is currently achieved empirically.

The key features of this project include experiments using oxygen-18 (18O) as a tracer species to study the transport of oxygen while growing oxide films. Another is the use of multi-spectrum analysis to help with quantifying nuclear data. 

To date, findings reveal a major redistribution of the 18O as the porous film evolves, which correlates with the evolution of the porous structure. Overall, the project’s findings will contribute greatly to understanding porous oxide growth by anodising. In turn, this will benefit the future development of improved porous oxides for a range of applications currently being researched. Also, work done by Nanoxid will support the use of the oxide in other areas where more economic and environmentally friendly processes are required, including enhanced film performance

Contacts and sources: 
Research EU Results Magazine

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