Metal-ceramic surface composites formed by a high energy ion irradiation and their mechanical properties

The adhesive strength of the Zr film on sapphire was found to be increased by N+ ion irradiation. The tensile strength of the adhesion became more than 75 MPa when the specimen was irradiated to the dose of 5 x 1016/cm2 and above. The Zr film deposition and the subsequent ion irradiation were also found to increase the resistivity against the surface crack occurrence by scratching with the loaded diamond stylus. The interface between the Zr metal and sapphire was examined by RBS and TEM, and the interdiffusion of elements at the interface by N+ ion irradiation were confirmed. The metal film on ceramic, united together by ion irradiation, or a metal - ceramic surface composite was proposed to be a new material. (author)