Published online by Cambridge University Press: 03 March 2011
Homogeneous ∈-iron nitride powder particles of the compositions Fe3N1.00, Fe3N1.22, Fe3N1.30, and Fe3N1.39 were investigated using selected-area electron diffraction. The superstructure reflections, due to N ordering on the octahedral interstitial sites of a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) arrangement of Fe, indicate a hexagonal supercell with a′ = 31/2ahcp, c′ = chcp for all cases; P6322 space group symmetry for Fe3N1.00, Fe3N1.30, and Fe3N1.39; and lower symmetry (P312) for Fe3N1.22 and some of the Fe3N1.30 particles. Recognition of the occurrence of double diffraction is essential for correct interpretation of the diffraction patterns. Additionally, diffuse scattering by some of the Fe3N1.39 grains was observed.