Surface analytical studies on metal surface and interface phenomena

Surface and interface segregation phenomena on metals can influence many material properties. From equilibrium surface segregation studies on binary model systems (single crystals), thermodynamic data for the segregation systems can be derived and may be used to explain phenomena on more complex systems. Equilibrium surface segregation is normally limited to occur within one atomic surface layer, but phosphorus segregation is an exception. By interaction with crystal defects, P atoms may also be enriched in subsurface layers. This was confirmed by Auger electron-spectroscopy, x-ray excited photoelectron spectroscopy, depth profiling and atom probe studies on surface and grain boundary segregation for several iron base alloys. The influence of segregation phenomena on some material properties is demonstrated by the results of surface analytical investigations.