Observations on the Growth of α-Iron Single Crystals by Halogen Reduction

Abstract

By large scale modification of established whisker growing techniques, it was possible to produce single crystals of alpha iron between 1 and 2 mm in diameter and up to 80 mm in length. These crystals grew along a 〈100〉 axis and had {100} faces. The final size of the crystals appeared to depend upon the quantity of FeCl₂ vapor available for reduction. Some growth features are reported.