X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy of intergranular phases in βll sialons

The purpose of this chapter is to determine whether segregation of impurities or A1 partitioning is occurring, and whether these mechanisms can then be interpreted as a cause for the retention of noncrystalline intergranular phases in low A1 solid solution alloys. Uses x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy in conjunction with scanning transmission electron microscopy to qualitatively and semi-quantitatively characterize retained noncrystalline phases in several compositions of sialons. Uses diffuse dark field imaging in conventional transmission mode to identify noncrystalline phases prior to x-ray microanalysis. Finds that partitioning of A1 and impurity atoms does not occur for these compositions except in isolated cases. Suggests that Fe impurities are readily incorporated into the matrix phase