Application of electron energy loss spectroscopy and energy filtering transmission electron microscopy for microchemical studies in 2.25Cr-1Mo steel

Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) investigation on 2.25Cr-1Mo steel was carried out to understand the nature of evolution of secondary carbides. The filtered images obtained from two different ageing treatments indicate that the steel evolves to a more stable carbide namely M23C6 in comparison to M2C. Microchemical information was generated from EELS spectra. Suitable choice for estimating the microchemical state was discussed. To evaluate the behaviour of ageing an elemental ratio of Fe to Cr is employed.