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Abstract
Fe–Nb–B alloys prepared by ball milling can undergo a complex microstructural evolution during milling. In order to overcome the limitations imposed by traditional X-ray bulk analysis, a comprehensive multi-technique approach was devised to systematically characterize samples with the required resolution. A combination of in situ FIB (focused ion beam) lift-out and high-resolution ATEM (analytical transmission electron microscopy) has allowed the characterization of the phase evolution during milling. In particular, boron inclusions, not detected by X-ray diffraction, have been found to remain undissolved in the Fe matrix.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by MEC of the Spanish Government and EU FEDER (Project MAT2007-65227) and the PAI of the regional Government of Andalucía (Project P06-FQM-01823). The TEM investigations were supported by the IP3 project of the 6th Framework Programme of the European Commission: ESTEEM Contract number 026019. J.J. Ipus acknowledges a fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science. J.S. Blázquez acknowledges a research contract from this Regional Government.