D. Majumdar et al., X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES ON CERAMIC COMPOSITES CONTAINING YTTRIA-STABILIZED ZIRCONIA AND ALUMINA, Applied surface science, 68(2), 1993, pp. 189-195
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to characterize the sur
faces of ceramic composites containing yttria-stabilized zirconia and
alpha-alumina. One of the surfaces of the composite was modified by ma
gnesia diffusion for improved wear resistance. Formation of a magnesia
-alumina spinel was detected at the modified surface. Significant shif
ts in the binding energy of Al 2p and O 1s core levels were observed f
or the modified and the unmodified surface. These were compared with t
he core levels of standard spinel and sapphire. Auger parameters for s
everal elements were measured for the modified and the unmodified surf
ace as well as the standards. These parameters provided useful informa
tion regarding cation-anion coordination in the oxides and assisted in
identifying an impurity phase. Valence-band spectra were obtained fro
m the various surfaces under study. These spectra were utilized in a s
emiquantitative way to characterize the different phases present on th
e surface of the composite.