Chromium oxide coatings deposited on stainless-steel surfaces were stu
died by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) using synchrotron radiatio
n. Migration of manganese from the steel substrate into the film was f
ound to be significant when gamma-Cr2O3 was developed by thermal treat
ment of an originally amorphous coating. The passivating efficiency of
the film was then largely improved. The presence of other oxidation s
tates of chromium was not confirmed by XAS.