Specimen preparation and metallographic studies in the alloy systems of the VA metals vanadium, niobium, and tantalum with nitrogen, oxygen, or carbon. Pt. 2

Some important applications of metallographic methods to the investigation of the interactions of Va metals with gases and carbon are described. The use of low-load hardness measurements is illustrated with examples from investigations into solid solution and precipitation hardening, determination and control of the concentrations of dissolved non-metals, determination of the concentration distribution of dissolved non-metals as well as the study of concentration changes resulting from thermotransport and electrotransport. The application of low-load hardness measurements and microstructural studies to the explanation of precipitation processes is described in detail. Results from the V-N, Ta-N, and Ta-O systems are discussed. (orig.)