Controlling surface reactions by mixing different metals
—Analyzing the mechanics of rust formation on alloy surfaces to help develop corrosion-resistant materials—

In the field of material science, there is demand for developing corrosion-resistant (= resists oxidation) materials by analyzing the oxidation process of metallic materials. The reaction mechanics of oxygen molecules on alloy surfaces was studied by mixing different metals with the aim of developing such corrosion-resistant materials.

It was found that alloying limits reactions spreading into the metals. Using oxygen molecules that move at extremely high speeds of 10,000 km/h also helped to identify that the types of oxidation products forming on alloy surfaces can be controlled.

These results will lead to the development of oxidation-resistant materials as well as the development of inexpensive catalysts.