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Comprehensive materials analysis for demanding applications
The Thermo Scientific Apreo ChemiSEM System combines a variety of technologies to help you comprehensively analyze materials across multiple applications, particularly when materials must endure harsh environments. Below are just three examples of how the Apreo ChemiSEM System has supported real-world materials analysis.
Characterization of high-temperature corrosion and particle analysis of single crystal René N5 superalloy
Aircraft turbine blades crafted from René N5 superalloy face extreme temperatures and corrosive environments, which can cause material degradation and potential failure. Characterizing how materials develop under these conditions might be extensive and require several analytical techniques. The Apreo ChemiSEM System can tackle these challenges because it integrates imaging, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and automated particle analysis. ChemiPhase, ChemiSEM Technology's automated and bias-free phase mapping, helps you identify metallic phases and oxides.
ChemiPhase characterization shows the different phases identified on the sample surface.
In addition, Thermo Scientific Perception Software automatically characterizes pores and particles and quantifies their size, shape, and composition.
Perception Software particle maps showing selected feature locations.
Comprehensive characterization of precipitates, dispersoids, and microstructure of aluminum alloys
When working with aluminum alloys, which are widely used in aerospace applications, it can be difficult to optimize strength and corrosion resistance due to complex precipitate formation. Understanding the microstructural evolution of these alloys when subjected to aging treatments is essential for monitoring and enhancing material performance. The Apreo ChemiSEM System offers an integrated approach for comprehensive SEM, STEM, EDS, and EBSD characterization.
Bright field imaging (A) and ChemiPhase characterization (B) of nanoscale particles in the AA2024-T3 sample.
ChemiSEM Technology and ChemiPhase, coupled with both SEM and STEM imaging, automatically identify and quantify intermetallic particles and dispersoids, including S-, θ-, and T-phase precipitates. This approach overcomes traditional challenges in analyzing complex particle distributions, providing precise composition and area fractions.
AA2024 sample subjected to the T3 aging treatment. Various intermetallic particles are differentiated through a combination of backscattered electron contrast imaging (A) and ChemiPhase analysis (B). Different colors in the ChemiPhase map represent distinct phases. (The phase related to the base alloy has been hidden to focus on the intermetallic particles.) The table shows quantification of the observed phases; compounds identified in the literature have been easily assigned to specific intermetallic particles.
The integration of EDS and EBSD into a seamless workflow highlights the correlation between grain structure and composition, providing insights crucial for optimizing heat treatments to meet high-performance aerospace standards.
Top) Low-magnification BSE images showing the area of each sample that was analyzed with EBSD. Bottom) Inverse pole figure orientation maps reveal the different crystallographic orientations (X, Y, Z) of the grains.
Correlative microscopy and AI-assisted analysis of thermal barrier coatings
High-temperature thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are crucial for protecting aerospace and industrial components under extreme conditions, but their complex, multi-layered structures make efficient characterization challenging. Traditional methods involve labor-intensive, multi-step preparation and analysis, leading to delays and inconsistencies.
Workflow integrating the CleanMill Ion Beam, ChemiSEM Technology, and Avizo Software for rapid preparation, imaging, and AI-assisted image analysis of thermal barrier coatings.
Integrating advanced techniques such rapid surface preparation with the Thermo Scientific CleanMill Broad Ion Beam System, imaging and chemical mapping using SEM with ChemiSEM Technology, and AI-assisted image analysis with Thermo Scientific Avizo 3D Pro Software can significantly enhance the speed and accuracy of TBC analysis. The CleanMill System can reduce sample preparation to just 90 minutes, while ChemiSEM Technology offers a comprehensive overview of material composition through precise phase analysis using ChemiPhase.
ChemiSEM Technology plays a crucial role in analyzing the top coat, revealing subtle variations in elemental distribution—such as magnesium and zirconium—and highlighting inhomogeneities or compositional gradients that may influence thermal performance and failure mechanisms.
BSE (A) and ChemiSEM (B-D) images of the TBC top coat, showing the distribution of magnesium (B), zirconium (C), and oxygen (D).
ChemiPhase, on the other hand, provides critical information about the bond coat, which is often a metallic layer such as MCrAlY (where M is Ni or Co). Automated phase mapping allows you to differentiate between γ (gamma), γ′ (gamma prime), and β (beta) phases and detect thermally grown oxide (TGO) layers.
Phase distribution maps and quantification of all the different materials automatically identified by ChemiPhase analysis.
Additionally, machine learning extends automated image analysis across the entire sample, boosting efficiency and expediting the overall analysis process.
(Top) Large-area image acquired with Maps Software. (Bottom) Phase analysis extended to a large area map, obtained as a result of the training of a convolutional neural network (CNN) in Avizo 3D Pro Software. After training on just a portion of this cross-section, the model could be extended to the entire SEM image.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.