CHARACTERIZATION OF INCLUSIONS IN STEEL - WHEN NOT ONLY SIZE MATTERS

Characterization of second phase particles is important with regard to Their influence on mechanical properties of materials. Analytical ele ctron microscopy offers the possibility to achieve complete characteri zation of inclusions. Complete characterization of inclusions means qu antitative evaluation of their chemistry and the stereological paramet ers. A characterization technique based on integrated microscopy and i nvolving scanning electron microscopy, image analysis and energy dispe rsive X-ray spectrometry is presented. A discussion of the use of tran smission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy is also presented for the characterization of very small particles and co mpounds (> 100 nm).