Nanocrystallite Characterization of the MMC 316L-0.3%wtY(2)O(3)-3%wtTaC by Rietveld Refinement Method

The nanocrystallites in a metal matrix composite (MMC) have wide importance in the sintering area. The nanocrystallites have been related with properties such as hardness and density of 316L steel matrixes. The Y(2)O(3) and TaC dispersion in steel crystalline structures affects these properties and the sintering process. This study analyze: the 316L steel, Y(2)O(3) and TaC crystallite size; TaC and Y(2)O(3) dispersion in milled powder composite; MMC nanocrystallite size and micro-strain during milling process of 316L-(CFC) steel and the effects of dispersion in sintered MMC. The alloy was submitted to high energy milling. MMC was characterized by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The diffraction was analyzed by Rietveld's refinement method, DBWS 9807 program, and crystallite size and micro-strain were performed using Scherrer's equation and Williamson-Hall's method.