A methodology suitable for TEM local measurements of carbon concentration in retained austenite

Carbon concentration in retained austenite grains is of great importance determining the mechanical properties of hot-rolled TRansformation Induced Plasticity steels. Among the different techniques available to measure such concentrations, Kikuchi lines obtained in Transmission Electron Microscopy provide a relatively easy and accurate method. The major problem however is to be able to locate an austenitic grain in the observed Transmission Electron Microscopy thin foil. Focused Ion Beam in combination with Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to successfully prepare a thin foil for Transmission Electron Microscopy and carbon concentration measurements from a 700 nm retained austenite grain.