Depth profiling of frictional brass coated steel samples by glow discharge mass spectrometry

Chemical depth profiles of frictional brass layers processed on steel substrates were performed using glow discharge mass spectrometry. Due to the continuously varying concentrations of zinc, copper and iron in the frictional layers a linear combination of the relative sensitivity factors and sputter rates of the pure iron and brass matrix was used to quantify the depth profiles. The quantified data indicate a non-stoichiometric copper content of the investigated layers.