Quantification of methods used in field metallography using the example of quality assurance measures for a circular economy for high-alloy steels

This study aims to develop a method for on-site metallography, enabling the characterization of carbide banding in cold-work steels via cellulose acetate film replication. It will be demonstrated that for this purpose, it is sufficient to grind the sample surface using P1500 mesh SiC abrasive paper and etch it with V(2)A etchant or nitric acid for 7 minutes. By sample preparation and etching, the matrix of the parent material is sufficiently removed for the carbides to leave a negative impression on the film. This negative replica can then be studied under reflected light microscope, enabling the characterization of carbide banding.

Automated summary

This study aims to develop an on-site metallography method to characterize carbide banding in cold-work steels using cellulose acetate film replication. It is demonstrated that grinding the sample surface with P1500 mesh SiC abrasive paper and etching it with V(2)A etchant or nitric acid for 7 minutes is sufficient for removing the matrix and leaving negative impressions of the carbides on the film. The negative replica can be studied under a reflected light microscope to characterize the carbide banding.