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Interface Segregation and Nitrogen Measurement in Fe-Mn-N Steel by Atom Probe Tomography
Brian Langelier1, Hugo P Van Landeghem2, Gianluigi A Botton1
11Department of Materials Science and Engineering,McMaster University,1280 Main St. W.,Hamilton,ON,Canada.
Summary
Manganese (Mn) segregation at the austenite/ferrite interface in steel is driven by carbon (C), not nitrogen (N). Carbon
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Metallurgy
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding solute interactions at the austenite/ferrite interface is crucial for modeling ferrite growth kinetics.
- Solute segregation influences interface mobility, impacting phase transformations in steels.
- In multi-component alloys, solute-solute interactions can modify segregation behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate interface segregation in Fe-Mn-N and Fe-Mn-C alloys.
- To determine the role of carbon in manganese segregation at the austenite/ferrite interface.
- To assess the impact of experimental factors on nitrogen measurement using atom probe tomography.
Main Methods:
- Atom probe tomography (APT) for high-resolution solute concentration analysis.
- Comparative study of Fe-Mn-N and Fe-Mn-C systems.
- Systematic examination of APT experimental parameters (pulsing, sample prep, vacuum) for nitrogen measurement.
Main Results:
- Manganese segregation was observed in Fe-Mn-C but not in Fe-Mn-N alloys.
- Carbon also segregates to the interface, indicating a Mn-C affinity driving Mn segregation.
- Laser pulsing and focused ion beam preparation reduce apparent nitrogen concentration in APT.
Conclusions:
- Manganese segregation at the austenite/ferrite interface is primarily driven by its affinity for carbon.
- Nitrogen's role in Mn segregation is minimal compared to carbon.
- Experimental artifacts can significantly affect nitrogen quantification in steels via APT.
