SEM and TEM Methods for the Quantification of Gamma-Prime Precipitates in Nickel Alloys

Abstract This work presents the quantitative evaluation of the gamma-prime phase for two nickel-based alloys which contain different proportions of this phase. Alloy 617 mod. was chosen here as an example for nickel alloys with a small volume fraction of the gamma-prime phase, while Alloy 263 was chosen as a material with a higher proportion. The examinations are performed in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) with high resolution as well as with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The methods of quantitative recording are discussed. The results of the SEM and TEM analyses are compared and discussed. Several etching techniques were applied for the sample preparation.