Three-dimensional analysis of coalesced bainite using focused ion beam tomography

A coarse constituent resulting from the coalescence of platelets of bainite has recently been discovered in high-strength steel weld metals. The three-dimensional shape of coalesced bainite has been investigated by serial sectioning using a focused ion beam milling facility supplemented with observations made using field emission gun scanning electron microscopy and light optical microscopy. A compilation of the sections into a three-dimensional model revealed the shape of the coalesced bainite grain to be lath-like with a length in excess of 20 μm.