CHEM02200704003 Nilamadhab Pandhy - Homi Bhabha National ...

Chapter 5
5.2 Results and discussion
5.2. 1 Surface morphology study by AFM
The surface morphology of nitrogen implanted 304L SS at doses of 1×10 15 , 1×10 16
,1×10 17 , and 2.5×10 17 N + /cm 2 investigated using AFM are as shown in Fig. 5.1a-d [21].
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Fig.5.1: AFM surface morphology of nitrogen ion implanted 304L SS, (a) 1×10 15 (b) 1×10 16 ,
(c) 1×10 17 , and (d) 2.5×10 17 N + /cm 2 [21]
Figure. 5.1a-b represents the surface morphology at dose of 1×10 15 , 1×10 16 N + /cm 2 . Lines
in the same direction, and ridges present on the surface are due to mechanical polishing of the
samples. The root mean square roughness (R q ) measured was around 12 nm. At higher dose of
1×10 17 , 2.5×10 17 N + /cm 2 the surface appeared to be smooth, and the polishing lines, ridges were
rarely visible with minor decrease in root mean square roughness value to 7 nm (Fig.5.1c-d). The