THE APPLICATION OF X-RAY TECHNIQUES TO STUDIES OF CORROSION AND PROTECTION .1. REVIEW AND LITERATURE SURVEY

Electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques are considered for studie s relevant to corrosion and protection of metals. This powerful array of instrumental techniques provides little direct information on surfa ce structure and few of the spectroscopic methods can be modified to p erform in-situ experiments. Spectroscopic techniques are concisely rev iewed and the advantages and drawbacks of X-ray methods for structural studies are highlighted. The application of X-ray diffraction methods to a diverse range of fundamental and industrial samples is illustrat ed by examples from recent literature. Whilst ex-situ techniques suffi ce in some cases, others require the development of in-situ methods, T he latter methods demand special attention to cell design but provide a facility for more realistic studies and the possibility of kinetic w ork. Synchrotron radiation is seen to provide a more intense and wider spectrum source than laboratory X-ray tubes, These features provide a n improved signal to noise ratio and greater flexibility, including th e possibility of energy dispersive techniques.