Mikrocharakterisierung und Nanobereichsanalytik des Schnellarbeitsstahles S 6-5-2-5

The numerous possibilities offered by Energy Filtered Transmission Electron Microscopy (EFTEM) in the field of materials analysis is demonstrated with reference to the example of S 6-5-2-5 high speed steel. The microstructure of two trial casts differing slightly in chemical composition is investigated in the fully annealed condition. The most apparent difference is found to be in the morphology of the primary M2C-carbides. In the one case these were found to be coarse and plate shaped, whilst the other cast exhibited a refined carbide, lamellar solidified structure. Elemental distribution maps are used to gain information regarding individual chosen areas of the specimens. The investigation demonstrates that the primary M2C-carbides are enveloped within a V-rich phase.