Determination of the Phase Distribution in Sintered TRIP-Matrix / Mg-PSZ Composites using EBSD

Metal matrix composites (MMC) containing TRIP-steel/Mg-PSZ were processed by cold pressing and conventional sintering in different atmospheres. The MMC was based on austenitic steel in the system Fe-Cr-Mn-Ni showing transformation induced plasticity (TRIP). Depending on the sintering temperature, the sintering atmosphere and the steel composition the phase compositions of MgO partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) as well as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The interactions between the alloying elements of austenitic stainless steel and the ceramic stabilizer (MgO) as well as the technological parameters lead to a significant change in the phase composition of the Mg-PSZ. The changes can be analysed by EBSD due to the high spatial resolution.