This month I was preparing to the exam of French and I made some literature review (continued study).

Last month I’ve made a second attempt towards in situ formation of AlN reinforcement in aluminium matrix. The experiment involved melting of aluminium in Balzers type induction furnace, and then, after removal of surface oxide layer, introduction of nitrogen-bearing substrate (in form of a green compact) to the metallic melt. Unfortunately, apart from eddy currents, there was no possibility of mixing the melt, which was the reason why the substrates remained on the surface of aluminium. As a result, aluminium nitride was found only in the surface layer of the material.

This month I changed the way I use FIB. Instead of running 3D-EBSD measurements I was focused on learning how to prepare a sample for TEM. This knowledge may be useful in the future because it may be necessary in T-EBSD measurements. They are based on detection of diffracted electrons that were transmitted through a thin sample. Such experiments are carried out in SEM. They may improve special resolution of the EBSD technique.

We carried out work on editing and polishing of the manuscript. It has finally been sent out to other co-authors for final check and comments. Along side this task we cast new alloys with different compositions, which included mastering the art of arc melting.

During last months I was studing carefully the literature and lectures accessible in the net.
Also I spent a lot of time for prepring for exams