The boosting effect of Cr on the growth of the protective alumina scale on Fe-Al alloys is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using low oxygen pressure the surface chemistry of the alloys is monitored starting from the first moments of oxidation. Chromium affects the Fe/Al surface-bulk exchange which is clearly detected by analyzing the measured surface concentrations within the atomic concentration models. Experimental results presented are in good agreement with the previous ones obtained by experiments at ambient conditions and ab initio calculations.
QC 20110929