The effect of the oxygen pressure and the growth of whiskers on the oxidation of pure Fe

The weight increase curves of pure iron specimens cold-worked by abrasion with SiC and 7- diamond paste have been registered as a function of pressure and temperature. The oxidation rate increases with temperature and pressure when the pressure is raised from 0.02 to 0.2 bar. When the pressure is further increased to 1.02 bar at 500 and 625°C the oxidation rate decreases. This decrease is attributed to an orientation of the oxide grains in the -Fe₂O₃ surface.