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Zinc-Aluminum Alloy
Specimen Preparation (Class 1 Procedures)
Metallographic Class 1 sample preparation  

Zinc-aluminum alloys are difficult to prepare because they are soft and contain oxide particles which can become dislodged and scratch the surface. The key to polishing zinc-aluminum alloys is to use alumina polishing abrasives to reduce fractured abrasive particle embedding and to final polish with polycrystalline abrasives (fine aggregates).

SECTIONING
MAXCUT Abrasive blade (Cat. No. MAX-C or MAX-I series)

MOUNTING
Compression Mounting with Phenolic, Epoxy or Diallyl Phthalate compression mounting resins

POLISHING
Abrasive/surface Lubricant Force/ sample Speed
(Head/base)
Time Individual
Force mode
Central Force
mode
P120 grit ALO paper*
P220 grit ALO paper*
Water 5-10 lbs 100/100 rpm Planar
1 min
  Metallographic central polishing force
P500 grit ALO paper
P1200 grit ALO paper
Water 5-10 lbs 100/100 rpm 1 min
1 min
Metallographic individual polishing force Metallographic central polishing force
1 um DIAMAT diamond
on ATLANTIS polishing pad
Water 5-10 lbs 100/100 rpm 2 min Metallographic individual polishing force Metallographic central polishing force
0.05 um Nanometer alumina
on NAPPAD polishing pad
  5-10 lbs 100/100 rpm 1 min Metallographic individual polishing force Metallographic central polishing force

*Required for central polishing force. Click here for more information on central vs. individual polishing force polishing.

Metallographic microstructure for zinc aluminum alloy
Zinc-Aluminum Alloy, 200X B.F. (etchant CrO3, Na2SO4)
Zinc aluminum metallographic microstructure
Zinc-Aluminum Alloy, 1000X DIC (etchant CrO3, Na2SO4)
Polarized light metallograhic microstructure of zinc aluminum
Zinc-Aluminum Alloy, 100X Polarized (etchant CrO3, Na2SO4)

ETCHING

Common Etchants
PACE Technologies Recommended Etchants

PACE Technologies Etchant Database

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.


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