Experiment 2

Analysis of Microstructure

Aim

To identify the given sample by observing the microstructure through standard metallographic
procedures.
Apparatus Required

Metrology microscope

Polishing and grinding machine

Steel sample

Nital solution (A 5% solution in water)

Blow dryer

Sand paper of grade 200X, 400X, 600X, 800X, 1000X & 1200X

Theory

A conventional optical metallurgical microscope with episcopic or diascopic illumination to observe

the microstructures of the metal samples to discern the different phases and amounts of those
phases of the sample (Max sample size 150x150mm) and use different magnification sizes from 5X
to 50X

Procedure

1. Take the sample

2. Using the sandpaper sand the surface of the sample, from lower grade to higher
3. Use the dish polisher to polish the surface after sanding
4. Clean the surface and etch the surface using the Nital solution
5. Now observe the structure under the microscope
Precaution

Do not over etch

Use Nitol solution carefully

Do not disturb the surface with your touch

Observations:
 Low carbon steel

Result: the given sample is identified as low carbon steel by performing metallographic examination.