Films of Rare Earth Oxides Formed by Electron-Beam Evaporation

摘要

The application for the rare earth oxides of interest here is the protection of steel crucibles and molds from attack by molten plutonium. In this application the oxide film needs only to be adherent, free from large cracks and tenacious through thermal shocks. It was shown that an erbium oxide film could provide the necessary protection, but the optimum characteristics were not established. Yttrium oxide films provide the same protection but the film is not as rugged as the erbium oxide film. Films of erbium and yttrium oxides have been produced and examined. 8 figs. (ERA citation 13:018653)