Colour metallography in commercial Al-Si alloys. Optimization of the microstructural characterization techniques in light optical microscopy

Authors

  • B. Suárez-Peña Departamento de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, E.U.I.T.I. de Gijón. Universidad de Oviedo
  • J. Asensio-Lozano Departamento de Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica, E.T.S.I.M.O. Universidad de Oviedo
  • G. F. Vander-Voort Senior Research Consultant, Metallography Specialist

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/revmetalm.1013

Keywords:

Colour metallography, Al-Si alloys, Weck reagent, Optical microscopy

Abstract


The present demand on alloy production with improved quality requires the optimization of the metallographic procedures used on its characterization. Traditional etching techniques commonly employed for phase identification by optical metallography in aluminium alloys are not always suitable for a detailed analysis of existing phases, nor to accurately predict the mechanisms that govern the solidification process in certain detail. This work explores the potential of colour metallography to reveal at its best as-cast microstructures in Al-Si 12 alloys. For this purpose a colour etching technique, specifically developed for aluminium alloys and based on the Weck reagent. The application of such etchant has allowed the qualitative characterization of the microstructure. And it has also shown the advantages of colour metallography over black and white (B&W) etching techniques.

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Published

2010-10-30

How to Cite

Suárez-Peña, B., Asensio-Lozano, J., & Vander-Voort, G. F. (2010). Colour metallography in commercial Al-Si alloys. Optimization of the microstructural characterization techniques in light optical microscopy. Revista De Metalurgia, 46(5), 469–476. https://doi.org/10.3989/revmetalm.1013

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