Methods of controllable internal rupture in solids and liquids for obtaining atomically-clean surfaces and investigating their adhesion

• Published in: Vacuum Vol. 46; no. 12; pp. 1439 - 1444
• Main Author: Maniks, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-12-1995; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid surfaces and fluid-fluid interfaces; Metals. Metallurgy; Physics; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Ruptures; Metals; Tin; Plastic material; Lead; Surfaces; Liquid phase; Adhesion
• ISSN: 0042-207X; 1879-2715
• DOI: 10.1016/0042-207X(95)00167-0

Controllable internal rupture (CIR) methods for obtaining atomically-clean solid surfaces and closed ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) space are described. A number of modifications of CIR methods have been developed. Their performance, characteristics and applications for investigation of adhesion are considered. CIR methods are based on the creation of virgin atomically-clean rupture surfaces in the bulk of solids during deformation of specially manufactured heterogeneous systems. For all modifications of the method, the samples have been manufactured in the form of vacuum-tight capsules and the investigation procedure has been carried out in atmospheric conditions. CIR methods, in addition to well-known UHV methods, offer a broadening of the research opportunity and simplification of the experimental equipment as well as offering maintenance of surface cleanliness for a long time (up to some months).