Surface characterization of chemically treated aluminium nitride powders

The surface characteristics of pure AlN powders are compared with those of socalled water stabilized powders. Both commercially available powders and stearic acid coated powders are used. By means of XPS, diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy and thermally programmed desorption mass spectrometry, information is obtained about the presence of surface groups. The behaviour of the different powders in aqueous suspension is compared by means of pH measurements and determination of the isoelectric points.