A novel simple method of using X rays fluorescence for measuring the interdiffusion coefficients in metals

Diffusion and interdiffusion coefficients and associated activation energies have been experimentally obtained of a number of metal samples tightly coupled and heated in air at 630-435 oC and 327 oC for 24-48 h adopting for the first time the portable XRF spectrophotometry. The method, quick and simple, could be extended to any couple of metals or alloys. The results obtained were not substantially affected by the presence of oxygen. The data obtained are consistent with those available in literature. It is shown that the diffusion kinetics was substantially via grain boundary diffusion. The second Fick’s law was applied for calculations. Some metallurgic aspects of the experimental results have been also explored. ; The novel approach illustrated in this paper, using relatively inexpensive XRF portable spectrophotometers, allows experimental data collection and elaboration of diffusion parameters in minutes instead of hours or days, requiring only simple calculations with the help of a software for definite integrals calculations or even using on-line definite integral sites