Study of corrosion-protected AIN samples by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform spectroscopy

Abstract

The surface composition of AIN samples exposed to atmospheric air has been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) as a function of their preparation method. AIN samples have been obtained either by direct reaction of NH₃ with Al₂O₃ at 1300 °C or by nitridation of aluminium metal with N₂ in the presence of CaCO₃ at lower temperatures. The addition of CaCO₃ leads to the formation of a CaCO₃ thin layer at the surface of the nitride particles that both inhibits the atmospheric corrosion and favours the sintering of the nitride powder.