The nobility of second phase particles in S-65 beryllium studied by scanning kelvin probe force microscopy

Scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy has been employed to examine the galvanic activity of a range of second phase particles present in beryllium that are believed to have a role in the localised corrosion of the metal. These particles were characterised by means of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy. The particles were found to have a range of potentials which varied with the particle type. All particles were found to be more noble than the beryllium matrix.