Formation of oxide layers on tungsten at low oxygen partial pressures
This work focuses on the oxidation of tungsten in inert gas atmospheres containing oxygen and moisture. It is particularly relevant for the European Spallation Source where the tungsten target is cooled by purified helium gas and the 5 MW proton beam can raise the maximum target temperature beyond the threshold for oxidation. Tungsten discs were oxidized isothermally at 400° to 900 °C for 2 h in p