XPS determination of compositions of alloy surfaces and surface oxides on mechanically polished iron-chromium alloys

Abstract Using the XPS technique, the compositions of the alloy surface and the surface oxide on mechanically polished iron-chromium alloys were studied. For quantitative analysis, the ratio of photo-ionization cross section of Fe 2p 3 2 electrons to that of Cr 2p 3 2 electrons was estimated as 1.35 for Al Kα 1,2 radiation. Assuming a homogeneous oxide layer, the thickness of the oxide layer and compositions of the alloy surface and the surface oxide were simultaneously determined. The results showed no enrichment of chromium or iron either in the oxide layer or the alloy surface. Results on binding energies were also given.