Use of quantitative image analysis QIA to characterise microstructures of MC and M6C carbide

Abstract EN

Main goal of the study of effects of inclusions and carbides on the mechanical properties of alloyed steels is to establish quantitative and statistical relations between the mechanical properties and the microstructure of materials.

This paper presents the different steps necessary to characterize the microstructure and the carbides presents in high-speed steel materials.

This work addresses the way of quantitative image analysis (QIA) of MC and M6C carbide using processes scanning electron microscope SEM.

The area fraction Af will be determined via calculating pixels fraction for six images.

Af fraction of two carbide phases determined that presents the microstructure and the average particle size for each carbide phase using MS Excel.

In addition, the correlation between particle size and shape for each carbide phase is established.

The difference in carbide size and the based on processing history and location within the microstructure is also considered.

Moreover, the Af is estimated via the average for the six images to guarantee better accuracy.

Finally, the classification of area, elongation, compactness and roundness will be made and they are chosen by suitable ranges.