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Micro Examination of a material generally means observing the structure of material through a
microscope at magnifications between 50 to 1000 times. It is very useful method to find the
materials behavior and properties. So materials engineers widely use this method.
Grain size and shape, distribution of phases, inclusions, and other non-uniformities of a metal
can be observed in a micro examination of that metal. Then through various metallurgical
processes we can change the microstructure of metals to achieve certain desired properties.
To accurate microstructural observations, correct use of the microscopic techniques and degree
of magnifications are very important. A higher magnification reveals more data. But it hides
the features that affect a grater area. To compare microstructures it is essential to use same
magnification while micro examination. So the conclusions made by a micro examination of a
metal become meaningful only when the magnification is mentioned.
THEORY
Materials can exist in different states. These states are known as the phase of a material.
Existence of particular phase depends on temperature, pressure and the composition of the
material.
When considering steel it contains 3 solid solutions and 1 intermediate compound.
a phase - Ferrite
g phase - Austenite
Fe3C - Cementite
In normal conditions steel can be exist in one or more phase simultaneously. This can be
observed by a micro structure examination of steel. In room temperature higher percentage of
steel is in Pearlite form. Perlite is formed by lamella structure of a phase steel and cementite.
Formation of these forms happened in the process of making steel. It can clearly understand
through a phase diagram of steel.
PROCEDURE
ii.
Observe the micro structure of the following pre-prepared samples at x100 magnification
Sample no
Specifications
P1
P3
P4
M2
J9B
X8
DISCUSSION
Metal Used
o Low Carbon
Steel
Properties
Applications
ability.
-Low strength.
-Low cost.
o Medium
Carbon Steel
ductility.
-Can be hardened by
quenching.
o High Carbon
Steel
o Gray Cast Iron
wear resistance.
-Moderate ductility.
saws.
resistance.
railroad equipments.
capacity
o Brass
-Relatively resistant to
tarnishing
-Good malleability
Relationship between the phases present in the microstructure and properties of the
materials
All the metals we observed are composite materials which are composed of two or more
distinct phases. From these phases the primary phase is known as the Matrix phase and others
are known as the dispersed phases. Normally matrix is the more ductile and less hard phase.
And the dispersed phases are usually stronger than the matrix phase. In all the materials we
observed the dispersed phases were in forms of particles. So the dimensions of these particles
affect the properties of the material.
Very small dispersed particles finely distributed in the matrix interrupt the movement of
dislocations and deformations. So it strengthens the material. On the other hand the dispersed
phase is usually stable at high temperatures. So the material is relatively stable at high
temperatures too. In our observation High Carbon Steel, Gray Cast Iron, Brass had small
dispersed phase areas. So there properties and applications discussed above can be explained
through this fact.
Larger dispersed particles in a matrix have a low strengthening effect. But they are capable of
sharing the load applied to the material resulting increase of stiffness and decrease of ductility.
In our observation Low Carbon Steel and Medium Carbon Steel had this kind of structure. So
there properties and applications can be explained by this fact.
CONCLUSSIONS
Small dispersed phase particles in a matrix strengthen the material and materials which
have larger dispersed particles are more stiff and brittle.
REFERENCES
www.subtech.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.sv.vt.edu