  In the present paper, the analysis of polishing, grinding and sand-blasting
processes on oxidation behavior of nickel, copper and nickel-copper alloy has
been investigated. Surface roughness has been measured using two methods: by
contact profilometer and by fractal analysis. It has been proved that
sand-blasting process influences the surface roughness the most but also
contaminates the surface with alumina particles. The oxidation tests were
performed in thermogravimetrical furnace. The obtained mass gain plots, SEM
microphotographs of cross-sections and SEM EDS analysis of the samples prove
that surface preparation changes oxidation kinetics morphology of the polished
and ground samples does not vary significantly after oxidation at investigated
temperatures, but differences in oxide layer thicknesses and mass gains were
observed. Oxidized sandblasted samples reveal that increased surface roughness
and alumina intrusions change the oxidation process mixed Al (Ni, Cu or Ni-Cu)
oxide is formed and separate Al2O3 particles are visible. The results prove
that surface preparation influence high temperature oxidation of the samples by
promoting new diffusion mechanism.
