Ion implantation techniques for non-electronic applications

Ion implantation techniques have been used to improve surface properties for over more than four decades. Metallurgical application of ion beam techniques was first reported in the 70s by Harwell laboratory (UK), and by the Naval Research Laboratory (USA), mainly focused to nitrogen implantation of steels. From those first results to today ion implantation techniques have been introduced in many different applications for industrial sectors such as the aeronautical and biomedical.This paper presents some of the most important actual applications of ion implantation techniques. Different strategies of conventional Ion Implantation (II), Low energy-High Temperature Ion Implantation (LEHT), and Plasma Immersion Ion Implantation (PIII) are studied and compared in terms of modified surface properties and industrial application niches.Furthermore, the reported results show how these different treatments have a big potential for research in smart and nano-functional surfaces in applications including biomaterials and many other specific developments.

►The paper gathers a Compressive comparison of the different ion implantation technologies, in terms of advantages and limitations and operation parameters. ► The paper shows a review of the applications of ion beam technologies in the relevant research fields, such as tribology, biotechnology, energy and polymers. ► Success cases at AIN laboratories are described in the paper showing real applications of the studied technologies.