An Overview of Surface Modification

Abstract

The surfaces of solids influence much of our every day life; the way objects appear and the manner in which they weather. The properties and structures of surfaces and surface layers are of obvious importance in science and technology. Numerous examples come from such diverse worlds as catalysis, semiconductor technology and metallurgy. Catalytic behavior is determined by surface composition and structure. In semiconductors, the electrical properties are usually controlled by the composition and structure of the outermost micron of material. The ability of metals to withstand corrosion or wear is also determined by the composition and structure of the surface layers. It is clear from such examples that technologies which can be used to directly tailor or construct surface layers promise large rewards.