Matrix effects in the energy dispersive X-ray analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO inclusions in steel

Microsc Microanal. 2011 Dec;17(6):963-71. doi: 10.1017/S1431927611012268. Epub 2011 Nov 4.

Abstract

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of micron-sized inclusions in steel is of considerable industrial importance. Measured spectra and Monte Carlo simulations show a significant effect of the steel matrix on analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO inclusions: the steel matrix filters the softer (Al and Mg) characteristic X-rays, increasing the relative height of the Ca peak. Bulk matrix correction methods would not result in correct inclusion compositions, but operating at a lower acceleration voltage shifts the effect to smaller inclusion sizes.

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Oxide / analysis*
  • Aluminum Oxide / chemistry
  • Calcium Compounds / analysis*
  • Calcium Compounds / chemistry
  • Magnesium Oxide / analysis*
  • Magnesium Oxide / chemistry
  • Materials Testing / instrumentation
  • Materials Testing / methods*
  • Metal Nanoparticles
  • Monte Carlo Method*
  • Oxides / analysis*
  • Oxides / chemistry
  • Particle Size
  • Photons
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / instrumentation
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / methods*
  • Steel / analysis*
  • Steel / chemistry

Substances

  • Calcium Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Steel
  • Magnesium Oxide
  • lime
  • Aluminum Oxide