Quantitative phase analysis of duplex stainless steel using incomplete pole figures

Abstract

The use of a single, accurate, and relatively quick experimental method suitable for determination of crystallo graphic texture and amounts of phases in the final product is of interest to some manufacturers. The suitability of an X-ray method for this purpose is evaluated in the present paper. The Schulz back reflection technique has been used to record incomplete pole figures of ferrite and austenite in a sample of commercial duplex stainless steel tube. The orientation distribution function was calculated for each phase and then used for the reproduction of complete pole figures. The complete pole figures were applied in quantitative phase analysis (QPhA), by a new method, free from texture induced errors. For comparison, the volume fraction of austenite and ferrite was also determined by means of the classic direct comparison method of Averbach and Cohen as well as by standard quantitative metallography. The proposed method of QPhA was applied for the examination of the amount of retained austenite in certain bearing construction elements.