Abstract
Surface segregation theory admits that the degree of surface enrichment depends on surface orientation through the anisotropy of surface properties such as surface energy. This prediction was tested by determining the surface composition of several grains of different surface orientation in a polycrystalline Ni–Au alloy foil. A scanning Auger microprobe provided Auger point analyses which were used to determine the surface segregation characteristics of individual (randomly oriented) grains, while selected area electron channeling patterns, obtained with a scanning electron microscope, allowed the surface orientation of each grain to be determined. A strong anisotropy of gold surface enrichment was observed; for example,the gold surface concentration at 700°C varied by as much as an order of magnitude over the range of surface orientations investigated. A plot of the variation in surface composition within the standard stereographic triangle showed trends that are comparable with the known anisotropy of surface energy in fcc metals. It is concluded that the coupling of the above experimental techniques provides a powerful tool for the study of such phenomena.
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