Be, Li, and Na redistribution near a porcelain/Ni alloy interface shown by ion microprobe mass analysis

During porcelainization the non-preoxidized alloy develops a Be-rich reaction zone in the interface which separates a Be-depleted alloy from a Li and (to a lesser extent Na) depleted region of the ceramic. Thus, Be diffuses to the interface through the alloy Be degrees leads to Be++ + 2 e- occurs at the interface; some of the electrons are electronically conducted to the porcelain-air interface where they are consumed as 2 e- + 1/2 O degrees 2 leads to O=, and the resulting negatively charged porcelain surface attracts Li+ (and Na+).