Comparative Analysis of the Surface Morphology of Dense Membrane Filters Pd95Pb5 and Pd93.5In6.0Ru0.5

Features of the dense palladium-based membrane filters surface morphology are studied in this work using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. Element compositions of the filters are Pd95Pb5 and Pd93.5In6.0Ru0.5 (hereafter numerical coefficients determine the composition in wt.%). The thickness of dense membrane filters is 50 and 70 μм, respectively. Samples from metals of high purity were made by methods of electric arc fusion in a protective atmosphere and cold rolled with intermediate vacuum annealing. Morphology of the filter surface shows differences due to the element composition of the alloys. Manifestations of cavitation in the form of micron-sized funnels were found in palladium doping with lead and the absence of such funnels for palladium alloy with indium and ruthenium. Differences in the surface roughness of the samples are shown. In the mode of contrast of lateral forces, the atomic force microscopy method determined the presence of surface areas of different hardness. The obtained results are important for the choice of material for the manufacture of membrane filters with improved performance characteristics and for the development of the elemental composition of membrane filters in order to optimize their operation in high-tech modern technological processes.