Journal Published Online: 01 May 1994
Volume 39, Issue 3

Discrimination of Ceramics—Study on the Microstructures of Ceramics

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

A method for discrimination of alumina ceramics was developed based on the observation of the surface morphology of etched surfaces, density, X-ray diffraction line profiles and grain size distributions.

The experimental observations of the surface microstructure were made, using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), on several different alumina ceramics with high (>99%), middle (96 to 98%) and low (approximately 92%) alumina content in order to identify them. The samples were prepared with a sulfuric acid (4.5 mol/L) etching method performed at 150 ≈ 200°C for 2 h on low and middle purity alumina ceramics and for 4 h on high purity alumina ceramics.

The results indicate that the SEM observation coupled with computerized image analysis to determine grain size distribution is a powerful tool to discriminate among alumina ceramics that exhibit similar morphological characteristics.

The X-ray diffraction line profile study is suggested as an additional useful index for the determination of microcrystalline structure.

Author Information

Hashimoto, T
Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyogo Pref. Police Department, Kobe, Japan
Deki, S
Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyogo Pref. Police Department, Kobe, Japan
Kanaji, Y
Fac. of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
Pages: 15
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS13660J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13660J