R. P. M. Proctor’s research while affiliated with University of Manchester and other places

This paper presents the results of a preliminary investigation of the possibility of altering the surface corrosion of metals by ion implantation. Polycrystalline samples of Cu, Al and Fe were implanted with high fluences (>1016 ions.cm-2) of 40 KeV ions of Ar+, Al+, B+, Fe+ or Mo+. The samples were examined visually, after irradiation treatment and following long periods of atmospheric exposure or accelerated salt-spray cabinet immersions. These observations showed that, (for copper) at the lower fluences of Ar+ and B+ used, similar tarnishing occured as with the unbombarded samples whereas at the higher fluences, surfaces retained their high degree of poliah. Salt-spray tests with Fe samples also showed a reduced tendency for rusting following high fluence A+ implants. Potentiostatic measurements of passivation and corrosion currents for implanted samples immersed in suitable electrolytes were also measured. High fluence implantations into Cu produced some variation in the polarisation curves whilst for the Al samples a large increase in the passive region of the V/I characteristic was obtained. Since similar effects were observed with most of the implant species employed, it is suggested that the measured effects are due to changes in para-surface defect structures.

In April 1972, Corrosion and Protection Centre was established at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, based upon the former Corrosion Science Division of the Department of Chemical Engineering. Simultaneously, the appointment of a Professor of Corrosion Science, Britain's first such chair, was announced. Professor G. C. Wood, formerly Reader in Corrosion Science in the Department of Chemical Engineering, was elected to this Chair. We shall attempt to outline, in a series of brief articles, the reasons for the establishment of the Centre and to describe the approach adopted by the Centre to its three main areas of activity in corrosion and protection, namely education, research and advice and assistance to industry.