On the argon ions irradiation effect on nickel oxidation in low-pressure oxygen

With the help of mass-spectrometric technique the influence of irradiation of nickel surface by argon ions on the oxidation process of Ni at low oxygen pressure (1-10.10-6 mm Hg) is investigated. Two versions of the mass spectrometric technique are used: conventional mass-spectrometric method with ionization of gaseous phase by an electron beam, and the method of secondary ion-ionic emission based on the mass-spectrometric analysis of secondary ions knocked out from surface of a speciment investigated by a beam of primary ions. To study the process of oxide nucleation, the optical microscope is used. It is shown that on the surface of Ni specimens irradiated the retarded oxidation is observed. The results obtained are of great scientific and practical importance for development of metal passivation method. (author)