Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction: Application to surface structure characterization

Materials with different structures were produced from low carbon mild sheet steel and were subjected to surface treatment with Nd:Glass laser. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) was used to investigate the surface of the initial and laser treated samples. Phase composition, residual stresses and lattice imperfection analysis were performed. Results reveal formation of oxide film on the surface, consisting of two monophase layers - Fe3O4 and FeO. Tensile residual stresses are formed and concentration of lattice imperfections increases after laser treatment. The investigated properties show dependence from the initial material structure. (authors)