Energy dispersive X-ray investigation of silane coupling agent modified nickel–manganese–gallium particle surfaces

Highlights: ► Modification of surfaces of NiMnGa with silane coupling agents. ► Energy dispersive X-ray emission used for elemental analysis. ► Variable energy electron beams used for depth analysis on particles. ► Silane coupling agents promote silicon polymer attachment to NiMnGa particles. - Abstract: Nickel–manganese–gallium (NiMnGa) has been identified as a possible active material for kinetic energy harvesting. As monolithic crystals are susceptible to fracture, NiMnGa particle/polymer composites where the alloy remains the active material are proposed as an alternative. Optimum transfer of force requires good bonding between the alloy and the polymer matrix. The objectives of the current work were to develop a technique to examine the NiMnGa/polymer interface and the potential changes due to addition of silane coupling agents. To determine the presence of polymer/coupling agent at the alloy particle surface, an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometer on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used. Using this method, it was possible to determine that Dow Corning® z6020 had the greatest interaction with the NiMnGa surface, although the polysiloxane had sufficient adherence without the use of coupling agents. This article demonstrates the novel use of EDX spectroscopy to indirectly investigate silane modification of metallic surfaces.