The duplex oxide structure produced by the oxidation of an industrial
70Cu-30Ni alloy has been studied by near-grazing X-ray diffraction, dy
namic SIMS and reflectance spectroscopy (UV-visible and IR). Optical m
ethods allow: the identification of the different oxides Cu(x)O (precu
rsor of copper(I) oxides) Cu2O, CuO and NiO and the thickness measurem
ents relative to the copper oxide/nickel oxide interface. The main imp
urities (Mn, Fe, Mg and Si) could accelerate the oxidability of indust
rial alloys.