Heterogeneities in Anodic Oxide Films on Tantalum - Their Detection and Electrical Characteristics

A print-out technique was used to study the electronic conductivity of anodic oxide films and, in particular, the electronic conductivity associated with heterogeneities in the oxide film. Tantalum foil was used in the "as received" state, after chemical polishing, abraded, heated in air, and carburized to show the electronic current of defects as a function of formation voltage (film thickness), field strength, and pretreatment.