Investigation of Layers Formed Through Selective Transfer with Atomic Force Microscopy

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has become a versatile tool for investigating local mechanical properties. In addition, through the AFM tip-couple interaction, it is possible to study the effects of perturbations and modifications on the surface of samples, such as layers obtained by selective transfer. The selective layer was obtained by friction between a surface of steel and a surface of copper alloy (bronze) and it formed of very thin layer, tribologically generated on the surface of steel. The accurate knowledge of their response to continuous AFM scanning could help to design new materials with desired mechanical properties. A fundamental study of surface properties of the layers formed by selective transfer on nanoscale level should be developed to have a satisfactory knowledge of responses of these layers at friction and wear. In this paper, we present results obtained applying a new method for investigating friction and wear properties on layers obtained by selective transfer.