University of Tasmania
Browse

Colour metallography of cast aluminium alloys

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 05:16 authored by Garcia, L, Christian DietzChristian Dietz, Criado, AJ, Martinez, JA
For better observation of the microstructure of cast aluminium alloys under an optical microscope, the contrast obtained for the different micro constituents was enhanced by making use of a copper phthalocyanine based colorant. The proposed method allows distinguishing structural details which would remain hidden or poorly resolved when studying the conventionally etched sample. The method produces high relief for silicon precipitates with the tint further accentuating the outlines, allowing detection of morphology change of the aluminium- silicon eutectic due to chemical modification with strontium. Magnesium micro segregations in the α-aluminium phase, caused by incorrect thermal treatment during ageing, can also be clearly distinguished. The coloured images obtained by optical microscopy are very sharp and provide similar or better information than the corresponding Scanning Electron Microscopy images. The method proved to be suitable for Quality Control in the fabrication of cast aluminium alloy compounds, sourcing down possible errors to different stages of the process.

History

Publication title

Practical Metallography

Volume

51

Issue

7

Pagination

514-529

ISSN

0032-678X

Publisher

Carl Hanser Verlag

Place of publication

Kolbergerstrasse 22, Postfach 86 04 20, Munich, Germany, D-81679

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Carl Hanser Verlag Munich

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Metal castings

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC