Nucleation, growth and properties of thin layers of iron phosphides

The relationship between iron phosphide layer growth parameters, their structure and properties were considered. The layers were generated on a base of Armco iron and 0.4% C, 1.1% Cr steel as a result of annealing in a mixture of argon and phosphorus vapours. Mechanism and kinetics of iron phosphide layer growth was described. It is possible to obtain a layer of Fe3P+Fe2P phosphides and a solid solution of phosphorus in iron. Iron phosphide layer increases the hardness and the friction wear resistance of iron alloys.