Influence of experimental parameters on the composition of precipitates in metallic alloys

We report on the change in the shape, size and composition of spherical precipitates, found in an Fe3Cu and an Al3Ag alloy, as the base temperature, pulsing mode and parameters are adjusted. In the case of the Al3Ag alloy, the difference in the evaporation field between precipitates and matrix can be minimised at low temperature, while in the Fe3Cu alloy minimal changes are observed within the range of experimental conditions investigated. Comparison with transmission electron microscopy shows that some experimental conditions yield accurate precipitates size, while others enable reaching accurate composition measurements.

► In Al3Ag, temperature changes the evaporation field difference between precipitates and matrix.
► This could not be achieved with the Fe3Cu in the range investigated here.
► Some experimental conditions yield appropriate precipitates size, but not composition.
► Other conditions yield accurate composition, but distorted precipitates.