Corrosion processes and their inhibition as studied by Mössbauer conversion and other electron spectroscopies

Abstract

To study corrosion processes of iron and steel and measures of their inhibition, a detailed knowledge of the phase composition and of phase transformations in very thin layers close to the attacked surface of the material is necessary. The information depths of integral (ICEMS) and depth selective (DCEMS) conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy are well suited for such investigations, but some effort is necessary if technical samples, i.e. nonenriched in57Fe, are to be studied. In many cases of practical importance, full information on the corroded surfaces cannot be got from Mossbauer spectra only, and a combination with Auger and photoelectron spectroscopies, in-including scanning and sputter options, is found to be most informative. This is demonstrated by three examples.