Abstract
The oxidation or general corrosion behavior of metals at pressures of 1 atm or more is usually investigated by oxidizing samples under prescribed conditions and then subsequently characterizing the surface produced using one or more of the experimental methods available. This article describes a method which obviates the necessity of transferring samples from the oxidizing environment to the instrument for analysis, is nondestructive, and monitors the oxidizing surface in situ. The oxidation of iron, chromium, and a 9% chromium-iron alloy in carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure and at 773°K is described. The surfaces of these materials were analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy during exposure to the gas. Spectra and diagrams illustrating the variation in surface composition as oxidation proceeded are shown and possible mechanisms for the oxidation reactions are briefly discussed. The formation of the surface oxide on iron and on the 9% Cr-Fe alloy appears to follow very similar paths under the conditions of oxidation used. In all the materials studied trace impurities such as sulfur participated in the oxidation reactions.
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Allen, G.C., Brown, I.T. & Wild, R.K. A new approach to the study of the oxidation of metals in hostile environments. Oxid Met 12, 83–110 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609976
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609976