As high-entropy alloys become more complex in terms of microstructure, phase stability, and intermetallics, the advent of sophisticated analytical instruments is helping scientists to develop new materials with the most desirable properties. The analysis techniques described in this article include electron energy loss spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, atom probe tomography, and x-ray absorption spectroscopy.

This article reviews the analytical techniques used for phase identification in components, including x-ray diffraction, metallography/microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, trasmission electron microscopy,and atom probe tomography. The article addresses the advantages and disadvantages of each technique compared to the other approaches.

Using advanced characterization techniques on surface hardened steels builds a richer understanding of the underlying metallurgical phenomena.

This article explains how SEM, TEM, and atom probe tomography are being used in the development of additively manufactured high-entropy alloys (HEAs), revealing critical features such as anisotropic microstructure and metallurgical defects. It also discusses ongoing efforts to improve the predictability and analysis of HEA microstructure using data-driven approaches.

Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) use a combination of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, and focused ion beam milling to analyze corrosion and crack structures in light-water reactor components with near-atomic spatial resolution.