Correlating properties of alloys with constituent phases and their Raman spectra

Microstructure in alloys decides their physical properties; however, microstructure variations in metallic alloys are never quantitative. This applies to ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Therefore, a correlative methodology is proposed for their indirect quantification using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. As a representative case, 16 different iron-based alloys with slight variations in composition and microstructure are considered. Changes to their properties and microstructure are correlated with XRD and Raman spectroscopy. Thermal treatments also have a role in such variation. Every x-ray peak position and FWHM was analyzed and correlated with corresponding Raman spectra and FWHM. The objective is the development of a reliable database and secondary testing methodology for fast performance estimation of different ferrous and non-ferrous alloys during production and for checking repeatability, other than by their microstructure and tensile strength, which is done at present.