A Study of Iron Meteorite Microstructure by EBSD and High-Speed AFM

Published: 13 March 2018| Version 1 | DOI: 10.17632/hfcpk27gx8.1
Contributor:
Stacy Moore

Description

A Study of Iron Meteorite Microstructure by EBSD and High-Speed AFM S. Moore *a, P.G. Martin a, L. Picco a,b, R. Burrows c, T. Scott a, O.D. Payton a,b *Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 117 33 17684 - Email: stacy.moore@bristol.ac.uk a Interface Analysis Centre, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, BS8 1TL. b Bristol Nano Dynamics Ltd., Bristol, UK. c National Nuclear Laboratory, Building 102B, Stonehouse Park, Sperry Way, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, GL10 3UT. In this study, analysis of the microstructures present in an iron meteorite sample was performed using a combination of analytical techniques: focussed ion beam (FIB) contrast imaging, electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) supported by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and contact mode high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). Using these techniques, it was possible to identify the iron meteorite as hexahedrite, as well as locate and identify microstructures present on the internal surface of the meteorite sample. Several microscale structures identified as inclusions were found across the meteorite cross sectional surface, present within images captured by both EBSD and HS-AFM. To investigate these inclusions further, a more detailed investigation was undertaken via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), EBSD and EDS measurements. These inclusions were found to be schreibersite and rhabdite, these are phosphides present in some meteorites. The measured widths (between 0.4 um and 3 um) and nickel contents (21.63 wt. %) of these inclusions indicated that the meteorite had a fast cooling rate. In addition to this, SEM and EDS measurements were performed on an optically visible recess present within the meteorite, this was identified as a form of iron oxide, though further investigations are needed for full identification. Provided here is the raw data taken for FIB, EBSD, EDS, HS-AFM and SEM measurements. A photo of the meteorite surface is also included. EBSD Raw data includes: The raw EBSD data and EBSD images of the bulk as collected. The raw EBSD data collected for the phosphide inclusions. EDS Raw Data includes: The raw EDS data as collected, exported at .docx files. These include area maps as well as point analysis. FIB Raw Data includes: The FIB images as collected. HSAFM Raw Data includes: The .hsafm files containing the raw data collected to produce the figures shown within the final paper. SEM Raw Data Includes: The raw images collected by SEM.

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Institutions

University of Bristol School of Physics

Categories

Astronomy, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Metals, Alloys, Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Microstructure, Electron Backscatter Diffraction, Focused Ion Beam, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, Microstructure Characterization, Atomic Force Microscopy of Solid Surface, Astrochemistry

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