Surface Characterization Of 60Cu-40Sn Bronze Powder

Paper in proceeding, 2016

Due to the high surface area of the powder, reactivity of the material is significantly enhanced meaning that the presence of the surface oxide layer in unavoidable. The determination of the surface oxide layer composition is necessary to facilitate surface oxide removal during sintering by the adjustment of the sintering conditions. The surface chemical analysis of the 60Cu40Sn bronze powder was performed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (HR SEM+EDX). Determination of the surface oxide layer thickness and compositional profiles was done by altering of ion etching and XPS analysis. The results showed tin oxide enrichment at the surface of the powder particles. The traces of impurities like Ca, P and Zn were also detected on the top surface of the powder.