Microhardness modification of nickel by ion beam mixing

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Abstract
Microindentation hardness studies have shown that nitrogen bombardment of boron-coated nickel surfaces greatly improves the microhardness when compared with pure nickel. The nitrogen dose and energy and the boron thickness are important in determining the effect on hardness. The combination of these parameters determines the distribution of radiation damage relative to the boron-nickel interface and hence the degree of both intermixing and formation of boron nitride. The maximum useful nitrogen dose is determined by the onset of blistering of the surface layer.