We have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectrosco
py to examine the characteristics of oxide surfaces on a family of Al-Cu-Fe
alloys. The alloys studied are compositionally similar but structurally di
fferent: two are crystalline and one is quasicrystalline. The samples all a
re formed by consolidation of powders, resulting in multiple grains with ra
ndom surface orientations. They are oxidized to saturation in a variety of
environments at room temperature. Under the conditions of our experiments,
there is no detectable difference in the oxidation characteristics of the t
hree phases. That is, there is no difference in the elemental constituents
which oxidize, or in the relative extent of oxygen-induced Al segregation,
or in the depth of the oxide formed. Hence, the oxidation chemistry of thes
e alloys is determined by their Al-rich chemical composition, and not by th
eir atomic or electronic bulk structure, under these conditions.