Metallographic Analysis of 500x Compressed and Sintered Samples
Metallographic analysis is an essential tool used to study and understand the structure and composition of metals and alloys. Through this analysis, researchers gain insight into the various properties of these materials. In this experiment, the metallographic analysis of 500x compressed and sintered samples was conducted. The samples were prepared, examined and photographed in order to gain a better understanding of their structure and properties.
The materials used in this experiment were a standard pre-sintered and compressed sample. Approximately 50 grams of the sample material was placed into a brass die with a 10x10x10mm section and heated to a temperature of 1400°C for 30 minutes. After this, the die was extracted and placed onto a polishing wheel where it was then polished from the surface with 2500 diamond paste in a metallographic polisher.
Once the sample had been thoroughly polished, it was etched with 5% hydrochloric acid and 10% nitric acid. The mixture was applied to the sample and then left to develop for approximately 90 seconds. After this, the sample was rinsed off with distilled water and then examined under magnification to view the microstructural features. The sample was then photographed using a Nikon SMZ1500 microscope with a SLR camera attached.
Analysis of the sample revealed a typical, ferritic-pearlitic microstructure. The microstructure was characterized by a multiplicity of ferrite grains, bounded by fine interstitial cementite. The average grain size was observed to be 3-4μm, which indicated a medium grained structure. The ferrite grains were observed to have a fairly uniform structure, with no major differences between the grain shapes.
In order to further understand the properties of the sample, its hardness was tested using a Vickers Hardness Tester. The results showed that the sample had a hardness value of 248 Hv, which is considered to be reasonably high for this type of material. Furthermore, a microhardness tester was used to measure the hardness of individual grains, which was observed to be slightly higher than the average hardness.
Overall, this experiment has demonstrated that the metallographic analysis of 500x compressed and sintered samples can provide valuable information regarding their structure, composition and properties. The results of the experiment showed that the material had a ferritic-pearlitic microstructure with a medium grain size and reasonably high hardness. Furthermore, understanding this material’s microstructure can help in the development of other materials with similar properties.
