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PACE Technologies metallographic Cleaning consumables
Metallographic Cleaning Information



Introduction

Cleaning and drying is perhaps the most underrated processing step in specimen preparation. Yet improper cleaning can lead to misleading results. Cleaning is required to remove polishing residue as well as particulates on the surface. Cleaning can be classified into two categories:

  1. Intermediate cleaning
  2. Final cleaning and drying

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PACE Technologies metallographic Cleaning consumables


Intermediate Cleaning

Intermediate cleaning is important in order to minimize cross contaminaton of abrasives and swarf material. Intermediate cleaning is best accomplished with rinsing and ultrasonics. For the best results the specimen and holder should be cleaned with water and a cotton swab to remove excess abrasive and swarf. A secondary cleaning with an ultrasonic cleaner and an appropriate surfactant (cleaning solution) is recommended for removing inaccessible abrasive and swarf which can be located in specimen cracks or pores, cavities in the mount, and in the specimen holder crevices. A tap water rinse is recommended in order to remove the surfactant. Air drying is recommended but not always required for this step.


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PACE Technologies metallographic Cleaning consumables


Final Cleaning

Final cleaning is the most important cleaning step for removing residue prior to specimen examination. This cleaning step can be more difficult because of the tendency of the final polishing abrasives to crystallize or agglomerate on the specimen surface. Final cleaning should be performed immediately after or at the end of the final polishing step. For very fine abrasives such as SIAMAT colloidal silica and Nanometer alumina, rinsing the polishing pad with distilled or deionized water for the last 10-15 seconds of the polishing stage helps to mechanically scrub the specimen surface as well as clean the polishing pad.

For difficult to clean specimens, a cotton swab dipped in alcohol can be useful for scrubbing the specimen.

A similar procedure is also recommended following etching.


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PACE Technologies metallographic Cleaning consumables


Drying

Following the pad/specimen cleaning it is recommended that the specimens be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner and then dipped or sprayed with an alcohol solution. The alcohol replaces the water and allows for more efficient drying. Air drying with compressed air or in a heated oven produces dried specimen surfaces.

Corrosion Inhibitors

Corrosion or staining can occur if water remains on the surface or in any pores or gaps in the mounting resin. This corrosion can lead to water stains on the metal surface. The use of an organic corrosion inhibitor dip can eliminate this problem as well as protect sensitive surfaces from air oxidation over time.


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PACE Technologies metallographic Cleaning consumables


Application Guidelines (Cleaning and Drying)


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PACE Technologies metallographic Cleaning consumables


Trouble Shooting Guidelines for Cleaning and Drying

Symptom Cause Action
Specimen surface has a thin "matte like" film Thin coating of NANOMETER alumina particles Lightly remove particles with a cotton swab and alcohol
Specimen surface has a crystallized residue on the surface Most likely crystallized colloidal silica Repolish and rinse polishing pad and specimen with water for last 10-15 seconds of polishing step
Water spots on specimen Hard water rinsing Lightly repolish and rinse with D.I. water followed by an alcohol rinse. Dry with compressed air
Pits in specimen after water rinsing Water soluble phases corroding Clean with organic solvents such as alcohol
Inability to completely dry specimen Water seeping out of cracks or pores in the specimen or mount Dip in an alcohol corrosion inhibitor. The corosion inhibitor provides a protective organic coating on the surface and the alcohol allows the liquid to evaporate faster from the surface of the sample

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PACE Technologies metallographic Cleaning consumables


Cleaning/ Drying Product Descriptions

Cleaning
Description Quantity Catalog Number Product Image
Ultrasonic Cleaning solution 32 oz (0.97 l)
128 oz (3.8 l)
UC-1000-32
UC-1000-128
Metallographic Cleaners
Ultrasonic Degreasing/ Cleaning solution 32 oz (0.97 l)
1/2 gallon (1.9l)
128 oz (3.8 l)
UC2-1000-32
UC2-1000-64
UC2-1000-128
Compressed Non-flammable gas each AIR-1000

Preserving Specimens for Storage
Description Quantity Catalog Number
Organic Corrosion Inhibitor (100X concentrate in IPA) 32 oz (0.97 l) PCC-7500-32
Urethane Spray Coating each URE-1000
1.25-inch plastic Storage container 25/pkg STORE-0125

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