XPS Analytical Characterization of Amorphous Alloys: Fe70Cr10P13C7

A qualitative and semiquantitative XPS analysis of the surface films formed on the amorphous Fe70Cr10P13C7 alloy in the as-received state after rapid quenching, after mechanical abrasion and after anodic passivation at +500 mV SCE in 1 N HCl was performed. A method for simulataneous evaluation of the thickness of the oxide layer and its composition is proposed. The results clearly show that oxidized phosphorus is incorporated in the outer layer of the passive film formed after anodic polarization at +500 mV SCE, in agreement with the model of the bipolar cation-selective passive film proposed to explain the outstanding corrosion resistance of the alloy tested