In situ AFM study of potassium oleate adsorption and calcium precipitate formation on an apatite surface

► The study of potassium oleate adsorption on the surface of apatite by AFM. ► AFM images for each experiment along with their histograms were recorded. ► The presence of calcium ions in aqueous solution led to the formation of precipitated. ► Oleate adsorption occurs through the formation of clusters of calcium dioleate. ► The presence of these clusters makes the apatite surface heterogeneous and rough.