The Nature and Kinetics of the Interaction Layers Formed during the Reaction between Solid Iron and Zinc Vapour at 500°C

A study of the nature of interaction layers and kinetics of the reaction between Fe(s) and Zn(v) has been made at 500°C from the point of view of studying a solid/vapour diffusion couple and for comparison with the somewhat unusual behaviour occurring in the reaction between Fe(s) and Zn(l) at this temperature. The experimental conditions were such that no liquid phase was present on the solid iron. Λ layer consisting of a double gamma, a delta, and zeta layers was produced. The nature and kinetics of growth of these layers are quite different from those formed during the reaction between Fe(s) and Zn(l) at 500°C. The vapour pressure of the zinc source plays a part in determining the nature and composition of the phases produced.