SEM photo and EDS scan Description - 13 Aug 2008

Several EDS scans with semi-quant compositional analysis are shown. Ones marked "inner foil" are from one of the turns of aluminum foil from deep inside of a roll. (The Al foil used in the "Pixie" hydrolysis reactor was left in tightly wrapped original rolls). Pictures marked "Outer foil" are from a more heavily oxidized or reacted outer turn of a roll. The control foil was a snippet from a roll as purchased from the grocery store.

The hydrolysis reaction (and corrosion evidence) did not appear to be homogeneous, but rather appeared to concentrate at pinholes. These pinholes under SEM often seemed to have stress cracks radiating away from them, as if made from a pressurization or rupture. The interesting elemental ratios were most often found near the pinholes.

In the one close-up SEM photo, one can see crystal clusters sprouting on the surface of the foil. These appeared to be Al and O, presumably Al2O3.

Elements of interest, that do not appear to be prevalent in the control foil include B, enhanced Fe, Si, and Ce. Si may be from the table salt used.

Pixie control foil 1800x

pixie inner foil 1100x_04

Pixie inner foil 190x wide view

Pixie inner foil 4300x near pinhole

Pixie outer foil 1700x away from hole halo

Pixie outer foil 1700x hole halo