An attempt to develop the methodology of examining the boron content in construction materials with the use of eds method

Abstract

Borided layers are mainly produced during the process of heat-chemical treatment as a result of reactive diffusion of boron inside the material. The borided layers are particularly useful in difficult exploitation conditions. Generally, the borided layers are characterized by the increased hardness, heat resistance and good corrosion resistance. It is commonly known that the major disadvantage of X-ray microanalysis with EDS method is the difficulty in light elements analysis such as boron. However, due to the appropriate formation of source region and taking measurements during a definite period of time, the microanalysis of boron is possible. The obtained results are characterized by relative accuracy and precision. SEM Vega 5135 Tescan, detector of Si(Li) in Prism 2000 PGT spectrometer and the PGT software Spirit 1.06 were used. The model specimen was made from cubic boron nitride (c-BN). The estimated parameters of the analysis were verified on 42CrMo4 steel and borided Armco Iron, with satisfactory results having been obtained.