Metallography the Experiment no.

4
J.B.Y. VILLONES
Metallurgical Engineering - Chemical Engineering Department
Batangas State University - Alangilan, Batangas
21-09228@g.batstate-u.edu.ph

Abstract
The goal of the experiment was to learn how to prepare metallographic samples and how
the optical microscope works in general. In order to assess product reliability and understand
why a material has failed, analysis of a material's microstructure is essential since it reveals
whether the material has been processed correctly. The experiment was carried out in order to
assess the observation of the microstructure as well as to comprehend the theoretical
underpinnings of sample preparation and metallographic specimens. The experiment involved
basic steps in metallographic examination: sampling, specimen preparation, microscopic
observation , and digital imaging and documentation.
In rough polishing and fine polishing, prepare a
1. Introduction mixture of Alumina and H2O in a wash bottle. Have
a separate preparation for 1--μm and 0.5-μm alumina.
Metallography consists of the study of the Then, pour the mixture into the cloth and polish the
constitution and structure of metals and alloys. Much surface of the sample. Starting from 1-μm then
can be 0.5-μm until mirror-finish.
learned through specimen examination with the In etching process, first (1st) step prepares 3% Nital
naked eye, but more refined techniques require solution in a petri dish. Next, etch the surface by
magnification dipping it in Nital solution for sufficient time (1
and preparation of the material's surface. second dip). Then immediately rinse it with distilled
water so that the sample will not be burn. Lastly, dry
Analysis of a material’s microstructure aids in it with tissue/kimwipes.
determining if the material has been processed In microscopic observation, first (1st) place the ring
correctly, and is therefore normally a critical issue in light above the sample to provide enough
many industries. The basic steps for proper illumination. Next, view the surface under the
metallographic examination include: sampling, microscope, using successive magnification. Lastly,
specimen preparation (sectioning and cutting, take photographs of images under the microscope at
mounting, planar grinding, rough and final polishing, different magnifications.
etching), microscopic observation, and digital
imaging and documentation.
3. Data, Results and Discussion
By examining and quantifying a material’s Picture 1. Metallography
microstructure, its performance can be better
understood. Thus, metallography is used in almost all
stages during the lifetime of a component: from the
initial materials development to inspection,
production, manufacturing process control, and even
failure analysis if needed. The principles of
metallography help to ensure product reliability.

2. Methodology
In planar grinding, first (1st) watered the sample and
the SiC (used the smallest size of SiC, the
experimenter can start from size 60 of the SiC). Next,
grind the surface of the sample using SiC (Silicon
Carbide) until a flat surface is achieved and parallel
scratches are observed. Next, rotate the sample by 90
degrees then grind surface by the succeeding SiC grit
size. Lastly, repeat steps 1 an 2 until the final grit size
is used.

JBYVillones Metallography. Page 1 of 3

 For this sample, 3% of nital and 97% of methanol
are used to etch the polished surface area. In the first
sample we have seen the fine lines that resemble each
of the grain boundaries. The samples are over etched
because of the black in the middle of the grain
boundaries. The thick lines in the sample indicated
that it is not polished properly.
Picture 2. Metallograpgy
For this sample, 3% of nital and 97% of methanol
are used to etch the polished surface area. In this
sample we see partial grain boundaries of the sample.
It is also over etched because of the black spot in it.
The lines in the sample indicated that it is not
properly polished.
Picture 3. Metallography
For this sample, 3% of nital and 97% of methanol
are used to etch the polished surface area. There is no
visible fine line that represents the grain boundaries
of the sample. It is also over etched because the
whole sample is black. The thick line indicated that
the sample is not properly polished. There is also a
spot in the middle indicating the samples are exposed
in the air.
Picture 4. Metallography Comparison
This data is from another literature/experiment by
Mohamed Abdurrahman Mohamed. This experiment
uses mechanical equipment in polishing the sample
and etching it in 50% nitric acid solution. In this
experiment they used a metallurgical microscope and
printed the image to see the grain structure of the
sample.
3.1 Recommendation
The metallographic preparations are prone to error
because of the following factor: oxidation of metal,
solution of nitric acid, time of etching, polishing of
the sample and the microscope.
Errors can be prevented by putting oil after the
sample is polished to prevent the metal from rusting.
Proper preparation of nitric acid and the time of the
sample to etch must be accurate to prevent the burn
in the samples meta surface. The students must polish
the sample correctly to prevent some deep scratches
that can be seen in the microscope. Lastly, the
microscope must be in good condition to examine the
sample accurately.
4. Conclusion
If used correctly, proper sampling procedures will
only show the microstructure of a metallic specimen.
If not, it will be quite difficult to discern between
various grain boundaries, phases in the
microstructure, tiny dings on the metasurface, etc.
5. Reference
"Yatay ve Dikey Taşımacılık Ekipmanları (Liftler),"
Kocaeli Üniversitesi Makina Mühendisliği Bölümü
Ders Notları, last modified April 2018,
http://makina.kocaeli.edu.tr/upload/duyurular//18041
908150518d73.pdf.
JBYVillones Metallography. Page 2 of 3
"Designing a Metallographic Laboratory,"
Metallography.com,
https://www.metallography.com/lab/design.htm.

"Metallography: An Introduction," Leica

Microsystems Science Lab,
https://www.leica-microsystems.com/science-lab/app
lied/metallography-an-introduction/#:~:text=By%20e
xamining%20and%20quantifying%20a,even%20fail
ure%20analysis%20if%20needed..

“Lab Report (Metallographic Specimen Preparation

and Examination) - Metalluregy Lab Report (3)
Name:” Studocu. Accessed May 13, 2023.
https://www.studocu.com/row/document/jamaa%D8
%A9-aleskndry%D8%A9/principles-of-materials-sci
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6. Appendices

JBYVillones Metallography. Page 3 of 3