Two complementary techniques for the characterisation of the fine scale microstructure of materials are briefly described: three-dimensional atom probe (3-DAP) analysis and energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). The 3-DAP is especially suited for the characterisation of clustering and of the chemistry and size of very small precipitates, in particular when several phases are present. Energy filtered transmission electron microscopy is useful for determining size, volume fraction and number density of precipitates in the approximate size range 20–200 nm, also when several phases are present. As examples of the usefulness of a combination of these techniques, results from two types of complex martensitic steels are reviewed: the sequence of precipitation in a high strength maraging steel, Nanoflex, and the microstructure of creep resistant 9–12%Cr steels.
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