Understanding the detection of carbon in austenitic high-Mn steel using atom probe tomography

A high-Mn TWIP steel having composition Fe–22Mn–0.6C (wt%) is considered in this study, where the need for accurate and quantitative analysis of clustering and short-range ordering by atom probe analysis requires a better understanding of the detection of carbon in this system. Experimental measurements reveal that a high percentage of carbon atoms are detected as molecular ion species and on multiple hit events, which is discussed with respect to issues such as optimal experimental parameters, correlated field evaporation and directional walk/migration of carbon atoms at the surface of the specimen tip during analysis. These phenomena impact the compositional and spatial accuracy of the atom probe measurement and thus require careful consideration for further cluster-finding analysis.

► The detection of carbon in Fe–Mn–C TWIP steel is investigated by APT.
► Compositional and spatial accuracy of carbon affects cluster-finding/SRO analysis.
► High percentage of carbon hits detected as molecular ion species.
► High percentage of carbon atoms detected on multiple hit events.
► Optimal experimental parameters and analysis strategies are discussed.