Development of an electron work function - based microstructure diagnosis technique for developing advanced structural materials

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This proposal addresses the "Manufacturing" target area within the context of engineering advanced structural materials through new material technology development. The proposed is a unique microstructure diagnosis technique based on electron work function (EWF) with the aim to improve material performance and processes through microstructure and quality control, and to enable Canada to be a leading nation in the area of advanced microstructure diagnosis techniques. Materials generally consist of multiple elements, phases and interphase boundaries in order to obtain an optimal combination of various desired properties. However, during metallurgical processes, different elements may react and form not only desired phases but also others which result in side effects. The co-existence of various microstructural constituents makes it difficult to control in order to retain desired phases and interfaces while eliminating detrimental ones. Although XRD and electron microscopy have a great power to characterize microstructures, obtained data does not provide simultaneous information on properties of individual phases and interfaces. In this project, we propose an electron work function (EWF)- based microstructure diagnosis technique for identifying desired and undesired phases and interfaces through nano/micro-scale EWF mapping, and would apply the technique to the development of a new class of structural materials, hybrid high-entropy high-Cr cast irons for resources industry. This technique will also be applied to lightweight Mg alloys for the transportation sector.