Oxidation of Pb–2.9 at. % Sn alloys

Abstract

The oxidation behavior of a Pb-2.9 at.% Sn alloy was studied using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) combined with sputter depth profiling. Samples were oxidized in air at temperatures less than 90 °C and at low oxygen pressures at room temperature. The oxide formed on the alloy after oxidation in air has an “oxide inversion layer,” where the amount of preferentially oxidized tin increases with depth into the sample, reaches a maximum, and then decreases to its bulk value. Internal oxidation of tin was also observed in this alloy, probably occurring along grain boundaries. Low pressure oxidation studies indicate that grain boundaries play an important role in the initial development of the oxide.