Image processing-based analysis of interfacial phases in brazed stainless steel with Ni-based filler metal

Abstract

This work presents an image processing method to identify the distribution of CrxBy in a brazed joint of SUS304/MBF20/SUS304. Although the chemical compositions at designated locations on such joints can be measured through electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), determining the overall distribution of CrxBy and quantitatively describing this phase is difficult. Therefore, an image-processing algorithm was developed using material-specific intensity differences in backscattered electron images. The image-processing algorithm was verified and validated by EPMA and TEM measurements. Based on the developed image processing method, the effects of the brazing temperature on the CrxBy layer thickness were quantitatively analyzed.