Surface Characterisation of metallic materials and coatings by Scanning Kelvin Probe

Service description

The Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) is a non-contact, non-destructive instrument designed to measure the surface work function difference between conducting, coated, or semi-conducting materials and a metallic probe. The surface work function is directly correlated to corrosion potential, which enables the monitoring of corrosion potential in localised points of a especific area. In addition, the technique allows simultaneously to perform topography measurements. A particular aspect of the SKP is the measurements in a relative humidity of at least 95%. Some of the main applications of this technique are related to the study of surface modifications, film/coating research, detection of defects in coating/metal interfaces and corrosion mechanisms of metallic materials. Specifically, this technique is very useful for the study of the degradation of organic coatings on metallic materials. This service will provide maps of corrosion potential and surface topography of the metallic samples under study.