title: Matrix effects in the energy dispersive X-ray analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO inclusions in steel.
abstract: Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of micron-sized inclusions in steel is of considerable industrial importance. Measured spectra and Monte Carlo simulations show a significant effect of the steel matrix on analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO inclusions: the steel matrix filters the softer (Al and Mg) characteristic X-rays, increasing the relative height of the Ca peak. Bulk matrix correction methods would not result in correct inclusion compositions, but operating at a lower acceleration voltage shifts the effect to smaller inclusion sizes.
authors: Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. pistorius@cmu.edu
authors: Petrus Christiaan
authors: PC
authors: Pistorius
authors: Neerav
authors: N
authors: Verma
mesh_terms: D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008277:Magnesium Oxide / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D010087:Oxides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D010316:Particle Size; D017785:Photons; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013232:Steel / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D017610:Calcium Compounds; D010087:Oxides; D013232:Steel; D008277:Magnesium Oxide; C016538:lime; D000537:Aluminum Oxide