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SFM Studies of the Surface Morphology of ICE
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Abstract
The nature and properties of the surface layer of ice are important in many applications. This layer possesses peculiar optical, electric and mechanical properties. Various experimental techniques based on indirect measurements give different values of the thickness of this layer and different temperature domains for its existence. A new direct method for investigation of the surface layer of ice can be provided by scanning force microscopy (SFM). We studied the surface of ice using NanoScope III in the temperature range from -2 to -25°C. Images of the surface of ice and force calibration curves (FCC) were obtained in the open air and in hexane. The problem of surface melting at higher temperatures is analyzed. Stable images of the ice surface were obtained at lower temperatures. It was found that at temperatures corresponding to the transition of the surface layer to the quasi-liquid state the surface morphology and FCC change. When ice is brought in contact with hexane FCC indicate a formation of an unusually thick (∼ 1 μm) surface film.
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- Copyright © Materials Research Society 1995
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