Abstract
Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) is used extensively to determine the levels of segregation of impurity and solute atoms to grain boundaries in metals and alloys. The present work has examined the nanochemistry of grain boundaries in an iron 3% nickel alloy, containing an impurity phosphorus, following an embrittling step cooling heat treatment. Following fracture at a temperature of 77K, the two corresponding surfaces have been examined in detail. In particular consideration is given to the distribution of the segregated species over individual intergranular fracture surfaces for one grain and between two matched corresponding surfaces on each half of the fractured specimen. The results are discussed with respect to the observed fracture paths, the statistics of the AES composition measurements and the overall composition.
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