Applications of X-ray fluorescence and X-ray emission for characterisationof precipitates in steel

The principles and applications of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and X-ra y emission in the electron microprobe analysis and low energy electron indu ced X-ray spectrometry were described. With the help of soft X-ray spectra, arising from the Valence bands, the different aluminium and titanium compo unds of precipitates in steel can be investigated. The precipitates were is olated by an galvanostatic electrolysis. For speciation of aluminum the Kp- lines in the X-ray fluorescence spectrum were investigated. The composition of aluminumoxide and -nitride in precipitates of special steel qualities c an be determined. In the case of the speciation of titanium a direct electr on bombardment of the sample is used to generate soft-X-rays. By investigat ing the L-lines of titanium different species Like titaniumcarbide,-nitride or sulphide can be distinguished.