Magnetic studies of oxidation processes and mechanisms

Abstract

Measurements of saturation magnetization, using a vibrating specimen magnetometer, have been used to follow the course of the oxidation of iron, cobalt, and nickel. A linear decrease of the magnetization w.r.t. the volume of oxygen absorbed indicates the regular formation of NiO, and for cobalt the initial formation of CoO is followed by that of Co₃O₄. The results for iron are more complex. Alternate dosing with oxygen and hydrogen gives information on the mechanisms of oxidation and regeneration.