X-ray emission analysis of boundary-adjacent zones in zirconium carbide

The distribution was investigated of the elements composing the zirconium carbide and also of the impurities. Micro-probe studies were complemented by measurement of the microhardness both in the body of grains and on the boundaries. It is shown that in boundary regions the deviations from the average composition of Zr and C are observed in both directions; the content of the remaining elements in the boundary regions is higher than the average value. Segregations of Si, O and Fe were observed on the boundaries and the junctions of grains. In non-stoichiometric specimens the segregations of Fe and S are greater than in the stoichiometric ones