Characterization of inclusions in steel: When not only size matters

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 91, No. 1021, 1998

C.Blais and G. L'Esperance
Center for Microscopy and Characterizarion of Materials-(CM)2
École Polytechnique de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec

Characterization of second phase particles is important with regard to their influence on mechanical properties of materials. Analytical electron microscopy offers the possibility to achieve complete characterization of inclusions. Complete characterization of inclusions means quantitative evaluation of their chemistry and the streological parameters. A characterization technique based on integrated microscopy and involving scanning electron microscopy, image analysis and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry is presented. A discussion of the use of transmission electron microscopy and electron enrgy loss spectroscopy is also presented for the characterization of very small particles and compounds. (>100nm).

Keywords: Metallurgy, Steel, Inclusions in steel