XPS imaging investigations of pitting corrosion mechanisms in Inconel 600

• Published in: Surface and interface analysis Vol. 37; no. 5; pp. 478 - 494
• Main Authors: Kobe, B. A., Ramamurthy, S., Biesinger, M. C., McIntyre, N. S., Brennenstühl, A. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.05.2005; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Corrosion; Corrosion mechanisms; Electron and ion emission by liquids and solids; impact phenomena; Exact sciences and technology; imaging; Inconel; Metals. Metallurgy; Photoemission and photoelectron spectra; Physics; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Surface structure and topography; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); XPS; Nickel base alloys; Scanning electron microscopy; corrosion; Inconel; AES; Surface structure; Pitting corrosion; Imaging; Corrosion products; XPS; Inconel 600; Transition element alloys; X-ray photoelectron spectra
• ISSN: 0142-2421; 1096-9918
• DOI: 10.1002/sia.2038

The surface chemistry associated with pitting corrosion on a nickel‐based alloy, Inconel 600, has been studied using imaging x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The irregularity of the sample surfaces necessitated a more elaborate background correction than is usually applied in such imaging. Areas of active pitting were found to contain corrosion products that are high in chromium oxide and depleted in nickel and iron. Sites of anodic activity on the surface were able to be defined more clearly using principal component analysis. Elements that are dissolved preferentially are deposited cathodically within well‐defined regions whose distance from the anodic pit appears related to the open‐circuit potential. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.