1. Study of Monolayer Formation on Alloys Ellen S
Study of Monolayer Formation on Alloys Ellen S. Gawalt Duquesne University-Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Surface modification or coating of metal alloys is prevalent in many industries for the purposes of adhesion enhancement, improving corrosion resistance and control of surface properties, such as wetting. However, finding a coating that adheres strongly to the alloy surface is often a process of trial and error. Understanding the chemical basis for successful attachment of thin films to alloys would help to eliminate this process and speed up the development of new or improved products such as sensors, pipeline coatings, and biomedical implants. In this reporting period, we have studied the formation of monolayers on stainless steel 316L and the metal oxides that make-up the surface oxide layer of the alloy.
Overall we have found that the more acidic the organic molecule is, the more quickly and effectively the molecules adhere to the surface. Interestingly, we found that only phosphonic acids form monolayers on all of the metal oxides that make-up the surface stainless steel 316L, while carboxylic and phosphonic acids form complete, well-adhered monolayers to stainless steel 316L.Therefore, the presence of non-reactive surface sites, such as chromium oxide, do not prevent complete monolayer formation on the alloy.