SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1993
STP25110S

In Search of Microstructure

Source

When metals were discovered over 8000 years ago, there was no scientific basis for understanding their properties. Although metal production and working were developed by trial and error, skills were developed that produced amazing works of art and utility. Based upon surface evidence, Renaissance philosophers and alchemists speculated that metals possessed a discrete internal structure. It was not until the mid-nineteenth century that Henry Sorby developed the first successful method of revealing the microstructure of metals and alloys. From this beginning, the search for microstructure was aided by new developments such as synthetic abrasives and improved equipment. With each new wave of alloy development, metallographers modified the simple technique developed by Sorby to accommodate the new materials. Cemented carbides, super alloys, and nuclear materials were challenges that were overcome by adapting traditional metallography. However, when traditional metallography was applied to the most recently developed advanced materials such as fine ceramics, composites, and thermally sprayed coatings, it was apparent that a new direction was needed. Using a combination of fixed, semifixed, and free abrasives, and a graded series of lapping platens and cloths, a three-stage system has been developed that is capable of solving the challenges represented by the new wave of advanced materials.

Author Information

Nelson, JA
Educational Services, Buehler, Ltd., Lake Bluff, IL
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Details
Developed by Committee: E04
Pages: 313–326
DOI: 10.1520/STP25110S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5226-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1484-5