To realize ultrahigh density recording in high precision using polycarbonate as a recording media, the nanometer-scale mechanical processing properties of polycarbonate and fluorocarbon plasma-treated polycarbonate were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface free energy of the polycarbonate specimen can be reduced by fluorocarbon plasma-treatment, resulting in processing force being reduced. Thus, nanometer-scale precise processing of polycarbonate can be realized. Lines and spaces with intervals minimized to 60 nm were performed on the fluorocarbon plasma-treated polycarbonate. Viscoelastic properties of the fluorinated polycarbonate were evaluated using AFM in force modulation mode. Fluorocarbon plasma treatment can reduce friction force of a polycarbonate sample and improve its wear resistance. Therefore, the friction durability corresponding to the reliability of data reproduction was markedly improved.

Most of the information available is based on observations made during commercial production of titanium components in the aerospace industry. Titanium alloys are used widely where the strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance are of the utmost importance. These alloys have been classified as 'difficult-to-machine' materials. Research work has been carried out to determine the temperature field in the cutting zone of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V during high speed milling. In the present work, uncoated cemented carbide tools were used in the milling of Ti6Al4V. The experiments were carried out under dry cutting conditions. Tests were performed on a Mikron 18000 rpm high speed machining centre and temperatures were measured using the implanted workpiece thermocouple techniques.

The heat generated in the grinding zone plays an important role in the phase transformation that would alter the residual stress formation and surface integrity of work materials. Heat flux model is one of the key factors in calculating the heat into work piece. A new heat flux model based on the grinding actions is developed to calculate the grinding heat. The heat flux profile in the new heat flux model is very important and is discussed in detail. The finite element method is used to simulate the temperature fields. The comparison between simulation results and experimental results indicates the reliability of the proposed model. The simulation result from triangle heat flux model provides agreement with the experimental result in large cutting depth, and the simulation result from new heat flux model provides agreement with the experimental result in small cutting depth. Heat flux models should be selected to simulate temperature fields in various grinding conditions. It is helpful to study on grind-hardening technology and forecast and prevention of surface burn.

Nanometer-scale protuberance and groove processing was performed on a silicon (Si) surface by diamond tip sliding using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The protuberances of 0-5 nm height were obtained the silicon surface by using the diamond tip of approximately 200 nm radius and the grooves of 0-2 nm depth were processed by the tip of about 50 nm radius. It was observed that both protuberance and groove were produced using the tip of about 100 nm radius. Indentation measurements show the hardness of processed parts was greater than that of unprocessed parts. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution etching was performed on the mechanochemically processed sample. The processed areas were prevented from etching due to the formation of a dense oxide layer. This may be because the processed parts were oxidized by tip sliding due to the effect of mechanochemical oxidation.

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