High resolution phase contrast tomography in SiC ceramic samples

Based on the high-temperature wear results, the NbC materials with Fe based binders show the best wear resistance at high temperatures. As the Fe based binder NbC cermets are new materials that have been developed, the understanding of its thermodynamic behaviour, structure and properties will be critical to understanding the behaviour of the materials. We would like to identify the various phases within the metal (Fe or FeNi) binder. Do we have enriched regions of Mo and Nb in the Fe binders? Can we determine where and how the Mo is concentrated and distributed (in the binder or grain boundary or NbC phase)? We want to first perform phase contrast tomography, followed by, diffraction contrast tomography which may be most useful if sensitive enough to detect small differences within the binder and around the grain boundaries.