SEM, EDS, EPMA-WDS and EBSD characterization of carbides in HP type heat resistant alloys

The microstructure of centrifugally cast heat resistant alloys of the HP-series (Fe-35Ni-25Cr-0.4C, wt.%) contains several minor phases, like carbides (M7C3, M23C6 and MC). Several alloys are characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy in back-scattered electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy, of electron probe micro-analysis by X-ray wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, and of electron back-scattered diffraction. On the one hand, scanning electron microscopy imaging in the back-scattered mode, associated with energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis and electron back-scattered diffraction, can lead to the identification of all phases, but with a lack of accuracy in certain cases. On the other hand, electron probe micro-analysis by X-ray wavelength dispersive spectroscopy alone can always provide a strict identification of all phases, with additional precise information on phase composition, including for light elements, which is important in the case of carbides. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.