Investigation of surface microgeometry and the active nucleation cavities using AFM

Boiling surface measurements have been conducted to identify vapor/gas trapping cavities by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Three specimens with different surface treatments were tested. The measurement results obtained in this study confirm the existence of two types of cavities, pit type and groove type, which are able to entrap vapor/gas for most commonly used liquids. Based on AFM, a more accurate estimation of cavity radius and cone angle distribution function will become accessible.