The energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique is used for qualitative analysis of materials, corrosion products and deposits and is capable of providing semi-quantitative results as well. Typically, scanning electron microscope (SEM) instrumentation is equipped with an EDS system to allow for the chemical analysis of features being observed in the SEM monitor. Signals produced in an SEM/EDS system include secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) detectors that are used in image forming for morphological analysis as well as X-rays that are used for identification and quantification of chemicals present at detectable concentrations. EDS technique is capable of producing elemental distribution maps. It also known as EDS mapping. 

OES characterizes metals and alloys by applying an electrical spark to the sample. Unique elemental signatures are generated by this sparking process. These plasma signatures can be analyzed to determine the elemental composition of a material. 

The scraped deposits/corrosion products from the sample are weighed, and ultrasonically shaken in warm deionized water for 30 minutes. The sample is then filtered through a 0.2 micron filter and the detectable fluoride (F-), chloride (Cl-), nitrate (NO3-), nitrite (NO2-), phosphate (PO43-) and sulfate (SO42-) contents of the water-leachable portion of the sample is determined by ion chromatography (IC).  Note that the ionic concentrations result from the amount of dilution of the sample, and so are not absolutely correct. The purpose is to find out what anions were present, and their relative amounts.

DNFM can simulate furnace environments to study steel oxide layer formation and phase transformations in different types of steels.