Abstract:
A group of ferrous alloy composites have been produced using a novel vacuum casting process. The bonding and the
interfacial analysis of these composites has been studied using various techniques including: optical microscopy, energy
dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis, X-ray mapping (XRM) and electron back scattered diffractio.n (EBSD). A
number of phase changes and unique microstructural features have been observed. Some of these microstructural
features are the result of the solidification process, whilst other changes have resulted from diffusion of elements across
the composite interface. This study demonstrates the uniqueness of the vacuum casting process as an efficient bonding
process and the importance of comparing data from a variety of analytical techniques to enable a thorough model of the
solidification and diffusion processes to be properly developed.
