High-Temperature Oxidation of Iron Whiskers

Single crystal α-iron whiskers have been used to study early stages in the oxidation of iron at high temperatures. Well defined oxide patterns are observed on clean iron surfaces and there are characteristic differences between the patterns on {100} and {110} faces. These differences tend to be eliminated if a natural oxide film is present before the high temperature oxidation is performed. Unusual mosaic oxide patterns which form on clean {100} iron surfaces are shown.