Abstract
Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) combined with 18O‐labeling experiments have been used to study the cathodic reducibility of the air‐formed oxide on Fe‐26Cr and Fe‐6Cr alloys. Various pH oxalate, sulfate, acetate, and succinate buffer solutions were used as electrolytes. The prior film can be removed at pH 2.8 or less in the case of Fe‐26Cr and at pH 5.6 or less for Fe‐6Cr. Anodic polarization curves (5 mV s−1) did not provide any information about the extent of removal of the prior film. In addition, the air stability of the passive film formed on Fe‐26Cr in pH 2.4 sulfate buffer was studied using 18O/SIMS. The films were not stable with respect to oxygen exchange at any potential in the passive region, suggesting that ex situ surface analysis must be used with great caution in investigating the composition of the passive film on Fe‐26Cr.
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