Composition gradients surrounding Ni
_4
Ti
_3
precipitates in a Ni
_{51}
Ti
_{49}
B2 austenite matrix are investigated by a combination of analytical TEM techniques, including electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), energy filtered TEM (EFTEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). A Ni depleted zone in the surrounding matrix was detected. The size and concentration change of the depletion zone compensate very well for the excess Ni in the precipitate. Since different precipitates are often formed in nanoscale proximity, depletion zones from different precipitates can enforce one another in certain regions. A new quantification technique of EELS confirmed the 4:3 atomic ratio between Ni and Ti for the precipitate. No Ni-rich zone in the vicinity of grain boundaries was detected in the solution-treated samples.
