Among other activities, materialography involves microstructural and mechanical characterization, failure analysis, fracture studies and chemical analysis on a wide range of materials, including but not limited to, metallic alloys, polymers, ceramics and composites.
MM section offers techniques and expertise which include sample preparation to extract specimens (consisting of controlled and cooled cutting or machining) and surface preparation (grinding and polishing) to provide a satisfactory surface, representative of the real structure. Etch of the surface with appropriate chemicals can be used on top of that to reveal the microstructure.
Once the sample is prepared, it can be inspected:
- Microstructural characterization and investigation of potential imperfections
- Image analysis (i. e. phase ratio, inclusion cleanliness and grain size measures)
- Chemical analysis by Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES)
Moreover, these primary analyses can be completed with and Mechanical Testing, Advanced Microscopy and Diffraction
Equipment
- Digital microscope VHX-7000 from Keyence
- Two optical microscopes AXIO Imager from Carl Zeiss
- Optical microscope DM5000 from Leica
- Stereomicroscope and binoculars from Leica
- OES PMI master Pro2
- OES OE750 from HITACHI HIGH TECH ANALYTICAL SCIENCE GmbH
Some of these equipment are portable, therefore can be employed outside the laboratory if requested.
Techniques
- Sample preparation
- Light Microscopy
- Correlative Microscopy
- Advanced Microscopy and Diffraction
- Mechanical Testing
Metallurgical preparation laboratory in building 376
Optical microscopy area in building 376