Abstract
Ultrafine γ-Fe(C), α-Fe(C) and Fe3C particles were prepared by arc-discharge synthesis in a methane atmosphere. The phases, morphology, structure and surface layer of the particles were studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was found that the mean particle size ranged from 9.8 to 12.8 nm. The surface of particles mostly consisted of a carbon layer and a little oxide. Phase transformation from γ-Fe(C) to α-Fe(C) was studied by annealing in vacuum and by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry (DTA–TGA) measurement. The abundance of γ-Fe(C) was determined by a magnetization measurement to be approximately 30%. Phase transformation occurred between 300 and 500 °C in a flowing argon atmosphere. The Fe3C particles oxidized to α-Fe2O3 and carbon dioxide at 610 °C or so. © 1998 Chapman & Hall
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Dong, X.L., Zhang, Z.D., Xiao, Q.F. et al. Characterization of ultrafine γ-Fe(C), α-Fe(C) and Fe3C particles synthesized by arc-discharge in methane. Journal of Materials Science 33, 1915–1919 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004369708540
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1004369708540