Characterization of a Fe/Y2O3 metal/oxide interface using neutron and x-ray scattering

Abstract

The structure of metal/oxide interfaces is important to the radiation resistance of oxide dispersion-strengthened steels. We find evidence of gradual variations in stoichiometry and magnetization across a Fe/Y2O3 metal/oxide heterophase interface using neutron and x-ray reflectometry. These findings suggest that the Fe/Y2O3 interface is a transitional zone approximately ∼64 Å-thick containing mixtures or compounds of Fe, Y, and O. Our results illustrate the complex chemical and magnetic nature of Fe/oxide interfaces and demonstrate the utility of combined neutron and x-ray techniques as tools for characterizing them.