Surface oxidation of Al-Cu-Fe alloys: A comparison of quasicrystalline and crystalline phases

• Published in: Philosophical magazine. B, Physics of condensed matter. Structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties. Physics of condensed matter. Structural, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties., 1999-01, Vol.79 (1), p.91-110
• Main Authors: Pinhero, P. J., Anderegg, J. W., Sordelet, D. J., Besser, M. F., Thiel, P. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1364-2812; 1463-6417
• DOI: 10.1080/13642819908206784

We have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy to examine the characteristics of oxide surfaces on a family of Al-Cu-Fe alloys. The alloys studied are compositionally similar but structurally different: two are crystalline and one is quasicrystalline. The samples all are formed by consolidation of powders, resulting in multiple grains with random surface orientations. They are oxidized to saturation in a variety of environments at room temperature. Under the conditions of our experiments, there is no detectable difference in the oxidation characteristics of the three phases. That is, there is no difference in the elemental constituents which oxidize, or in the relative extent of oxygen-induced Al segregation, or in the depth of the oxide formed. Hence, the oxidation chemistry of these alloys is determined by their Al-rich chemical composition, and not by their atomic or electronic bulk structure, under these conditions.