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Accuracy of composition measurement using X-ray spectroscopy in precipitate-strengthened alloys: Application to Ni-base superalloys

A new method was developed to overcome significant errors in measuring composition in precipitated-strengthened alloys using the widely used wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS). The errors occur because the measured signal represents an averaged composition of the precipitate and the matrix phase in the sampling volume. The developed method optimises beam size in relation to precipitate size and chemistry segregation to minimise the error. Accurate data on microsegregation and phase identification can be obtained; these data provide key information for designing new alloys and optimising industrial processes. The method can have broad application in the areas of materials, chemistry and geology.