Comparison of yttrium implantation effect on pure iron and various steels

Specimens of pure iron and various steels were yttrium implanted using ion implantation. Specimen compositions and structures were investigated before and after yttrium implantation to determine the influence of specimen mate rial on the resulting yttrium distribution. Yttrium implantation effects we re characterised using scanning electron microscopy and analytical and stru ctural techniques (Rutherford backscattering spectrometry! reflection high energy electron? diffraction, X-ray, diffractometry: and glancing angle X-r ay diffraction). This paper demonstrates that col relation between composit ional and structural analyses permits understanding and comparison of the s urface and bulk modification effects of yttrium implantation on pure ir on and various steels. (C) 1999 IoM Communications Ltd.