Study of thin oxidation films on iron alloys by Raman Spectroscopy

N. Boucherit, A. Hugot-Le Goff, S. Joiret, G. Berranger, H. Chaudanson

Thin Solid Film 174, 1989, 111

Raman spectroscopy was used to follow the hot oxidation of iron alloys. In the case of fast oxidation at 1200° C, the process is very heterogeneous. Depending on the grain, a-FeOOH, Fe3O4, Cr2O3 and various spinels are detected. For the first time, one can describe a particular organization of haematite Fe2O3 and spinels in which nickel is associated with chromium. It is concluded that Raman spectroscopy is a suitable method for studying anisotropic thin film growth.