Electron spectroscopy studies of the steel/enamel interface

Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain the adherence of enamels on steel but it is generally believed that chemical bonding is the essential factor for strong adherence. To achieve this condition, the oxide in a low valence state is generally considered to be completely dissolved by the molten glass, with the steel-enamel bond formed by a single phase. In this work an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the steel/enamel interface is presented. The behavior of two different samples at two firing temperatures (900 and 920°C) was examined and the presence of fayalite as an interface layer was confirmed.