Metrology and 3D imaging of microstructural elements in materials for environmentally friendly power plants

Abstract

The aim of this study was the application of tomographic techniques (focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) to qualitative and quantitative characterization of structural elements in T/P92 creep resistant 9% Cr steel, Allvac 718Plus Ni-based superalloy and W-based alloy- multiphase materials for environmentally friendly power plants exposed to extreme operational conditions. The study showed that tomography techniques permit to obtain complementary information about microstructural features (precipitates size, shape and their spatial distribution) in the reconstructed volume with comparison to conventional particle analysis methods, e.g. quantitative transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy metallography.