Studying the Kinetics and Mechanism of Crystal Growth on Tungsten Wires in Normal Conditions

Abstract

The formation and growth of crystalline structures on the surface of tungsten wires at normal pressure in air are studied. It is found that crystalline structures are formed on the oxidized tungsten wires at 980 K. Their shape changes from whiskers to dendrites with increasing temperature during oxidation. The longitudinal and lateral growth rates of the structures are determined. The mechanism of formation and growth of oxide crystals on tungsten wires at high temperatures is proposed. It is proved that carbon atoms on the surface of a tungsten wire are the nuclei of WO₃ crystallization from the gaseous phase.