[Segregation bands analysis of steel sample using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy]

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Context:

• Alloy slab analysis is crucial for quality control in metallurgical processes.
• Traditional methods for detecting elemental segregation can be time-consuming and less detailed.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the capability of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for characterizing elemental segregation in alloy slabs.
• To compare LIBS with traditional metallographic analysis for accuracy and speed.

Summary:

• LIBS was employed in scanning mode with ~100 micrometer spatial resolution to analyze two middle-low alloy slabs and homogeneous samples.
• 2D elemental intensity distributions were converted to concentration distributions, revealing central segregation of elements like C, Si, Mn, P, S, and Cu in specific slabs.
• LIBS accurately identified segregation band positions and widths, correlating well with metallographic analysis, and confirmed homogeneity in other samples.

Impact:

• LIBS offers a rapid and detailed method for characterizing elemental segregation in alloy slabs, surpassing traditional techniques.
• The 2D concentration mapping provides valuable insights for optimizing metallurgical processes and improving material quality.
• This technique can guide improvements in manufacturing by identifying and quantifying segregation issues.