XPS Analysis of Oxide Formed on the Surface of Co-28Cr-6Mo-1Si Alloy Oxidized at 550°C

This work investigated the influence of oxidation durations on the formation of oxide on the surface of wrought Co-28Cr-6Mo-1Si alloy. The iso-thermal oxidation was individually performed in air at 550°C for 4, 12 and 24 h. For comparison, the surface of the non-oxidized Co-28Cr-6Mo-1Si alloy was concurrently examined. The chemical compositions of the non-oxidized and oxidized alloys were principally analyzed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS results revealed that the surface of the non-oxidized alloy enriched in Cr-oxide. After oxidation treatment, the Co-oxide, existing as Co2+ state was observed coexisting with two Cr-oxide states, Cr3+ and Cr4+. The low concentrations of Mo6+ were also observed on the oxidized alloy surface. With the increase in oxidation durations, the Co-oxide was suppressed by Cr-oxide. The XPS depth profile analysis indicated that the thickness of the oxide film increased with increasing the oxidation duration.