Metallographic Heat Treated Steel Etchants
The most common etchants for heat treated steels or martensitic microstructures contain picric acid dissolved in alcohol and acids. A good resouce for additional etchants can be found with the etchant database provided by PACE Technologies.
CAUTION: Safety is very important when etching. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective clothing and observe all WARNINGS on chemical manufacuters SDS (Safety Data Sheets). Also review the COMMENTS and CONDITIONS Section for each etchant.
Sample Preparation:
Both heat treated and un-heat treated steels must be properly prepared to reveal the true metallographic microstructure. A number of recommended procedures can be found at the following links:
Recommended Etch
ants
| Etchant | Conc. | Conditions | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Picral:
Ethanol Picric acid |
100 ml 2-4 gms |
Seconds to minutes |
For heat treated steels Do not let etchant dry-explosive |
|
Ethanol
Nitric acid Hydrochloric acid Picric acid |
80 ml
10 ml 10 ml 1 gm |
Seconds to minutes | Grain boundaries |
|
Nital:
Ethanol Nitric acid |
100 ml 1-10 ml |
Seconds to minutes | Do not exceed 10% nitric acid -explosive |
 |
| 1095 High Carbon Steel (furnace cooled), etched, Mag. 100X |
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