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Definition: EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) is a scanning electron microscopy analysis method for determining grain orientation, crystal structure and phase distribution in materials. Backscattered electrons are used to generate characteristic diffraction patterns. The method is applied integrated within the SEM.

Practical relevance: EBSD enables the quantitative analysis of textures, grain boundary character (e.g. Σ values), deformation states and phase transformations. The spatial resolution is in the submicrometre range. Applications are found in materials development, failure analysis and the assessment of additively manufactured components. A prerequisite is high-quality, stress-free sample preparation.

Decision-making perspectives:

• Technical decision-makers: Assessment of microstructural anisotropies and process effects on grain structure.
• Purchasing/project management: Specification of detailed microstructure analyses for quality-critical components.
• Science: Texture analysis, grain boundary statistics and validation of crystal plasticity models.
• Insurance/law: Microscopic verification of microstructural deviations in failure cases.

Typical testing or verification methods: EBSD mapping in the SEM, phase identification, grain boundary analysis, combination with EDX.

FAQ:

• What is EBSD used for?
• For the detailed analysis of grain orientation, texture and phases in metallic and ceramic materials.

Definition: EDX is an analytical method for determining the elemental composition of materials by means of characteristic X-ray radiation. It is mostly used in combination with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The method enables a spatially resolved qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental analysis.

Practical relevance: EDX serves to identify alloying elements, foreign particles, corrosion products or coating compositions. The detection limit is typically around 0.1-1 wt.-%, depending on the element and the detector system. Results are presented as a spectrum or element mapping. Limitations exist for light elements (e.g. H, He) and for very thin layers.

Decision-making perspectives:

• Technical decision-makers: Verification of material compositions and root cause analysis in cases of failure.
• Purchasing/project management: Verification of alloys or coatings conforming to specification.
• Science: Combination with EBSD or WDX for in-depth microstructure and phase analysis.
• Insurance/law: Documented elemental analysis to preserve evidence in the event of material deviations.

Typical testing or verification methods: SEM-EDX analysis, point analysis, line scan, element distribution mapping.

FAQ:

• Can EDX determine the exact chemical composition?
• EDX generally provides a semi-quantitative analysis; for high-precision determinations, supplementary methods are required.

Definition: Electrochemistry deals with chemical reactions associated with the transport of electrons between electrodes and electrolytes. It describes processes such as corrosion, passivation, electrolytic deposition and battery reactions. Its basis lies in redox reactions and electrochemical potentials.

Practical relevance: In materials engineering, electrochemistry is central to understanding corrosion mechanisms, pitting corrosion or stress corrosion cracking. The measured quantities are corrosion potential, current density and polarisation resistance. Normative references can be found, among others, in DIN EN ISO 17475 or ASTM G5. Electrochemical tests enable accelerated assessments of resistance.

Decision-making perspectives:

• Technical decision-makers: Design of corrosion protection systems and cathodic protection.
• Purchasing/project management: Specification of electrochemical resistance verifications.
• Science: Analysis of reaction kinetics, impedance spectroscopy and passive layer formation.
• Insurance/law: Root cause analysis of failures caused by electrochemical effects.

Typical testing or verification methods: Potentiodynamic polarisation measurement, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), open-circuit potential measurement.

FAQ:

• Why is electrochemistry relevant to corrosion?
• Corrosion is an electrochemical process in which metal ions go into solution through redox reactions.

Definition: A technical expert report is the structured, traceable and technically sound assessment of a technical matter by a qualified expert. A second opinion reviews or supplements an existing expert report with regard to methodology, data basis and conclusions. Both serve the objective process of reaching a decision or establishing evidence.

Practical relevance: Expert reports are based on tests, analyses (e.g. materials analysis, fractography), document review and normative assessment. They are frequently part of court proceedings, insurance claims or complex project decisions. Transparent methodology, source references and reproducibility are key quality characteristics.

Decision-making perspectives:

• Technical decision-makers: Objective basis for technical approvals or corrective measures.
• Purchasing/project management: Decision basis in disputes, defect assessment or contractual questions.
• Science: Methodologically critical review of analytical and assessment approaches.
• Insurance/law: Court-proof documentation, liability assessment and plausibility check.

Typical testing or verification methods: Failure analysis, materials testing, document analysis, comparison with standards and technical codes of practice.

FAQ:

• When is a second opinion advisable?
• In the case of methodological doubts, contradictory results or significant economic consequences.