Combined application of modern techniques for microarea analysis on metallic coated steel sheet

Steel sheet today ranks among the highly developed products of Europe's ste el industry. Given the increasing consumption and expanding range of applic ations of the coated steel sheet materials, it is becoming more and more im portant to know the surface properties. This applies both to the surface of uncoated steel sheet and to that of the metallic zinc and zinc alloy coati ngs. Current objectives of the steel makers are, in particular, knowledge o f the chemical composition of the surface throughout the route of productio n, as well as targeted production control to achieve a defined composition. A producer or end user correlates the surface composition with technologic al, processing and service properties, and is hence interested in compiling and complying with defined supply specifications. Against this background, the modem analysis techniques used for the chemica l characterisation of steel sheet surfaces take on a key function for produ ct development and quality control. Currently, a multitude of possible analysis techniques like EPMA, GDOES, SN MS, AES and ESCA are available for the chemical characterisation of surface s. Within the framework of a European research project (ECSC - European coa l and steel community), the suitability of such modern analysis techniques for the needs of the steer sheet producers, customers and users has been st udied and adapted to the requirements involved. The following article - div ided into four parts- will give a report about some analytical applications and the actual state of the art regarding microarea and surface analysis o f steel sheet surfaces.