Investigation of the Oxidation of Copper by Electron Diffraction

Abstract

The manner in which the oxide phase nucleates and grows on copper single crystals exposed to oxygen at a pressure of 1×10−2 mm of Hg and at temperatures between 300° and 400°C has been investigated by reflection electron diffraction and electron microscopy. Widely spaced oxide crystallites oriented with the [110] direction parallel to the [110] direction of the copper form and continue to grow at these temperatures even after the removal of the oxygen atmosphere. No polycrystalline phase was observed to form under these conditions, but the intensities of the copper spot pattern and Kikuchi lines decreased during exposure to oxygen and partially recovers in intensity during subsequent heat treatment.