Glass reinforced composites are very useful materials, however microstructural preparation can be tricky. The best approach is to minimize the amount of cracking and chipping in the fibers as early in the preparation stage as is practical. This is accomplished by starting with 320 grit SiC or finer. For rough and final polishing, the use of a resilient polishing pad such as Black Chem, in combination with polycrystalline diamond and SIMAT colloidal silica produce a damage free surface ready for examination.
SECTIONING
Diamond Wafering blade - medium grit / low concentration
MOUNTING
Castable Mounting with Epoxy or Acrylic resins
POLISHING
Abrasive/surface |
Lubricant |
Force/ sample |
Speed |
Time |
320 grit SiC paper |
Water |
5-10 lbs |
100/100 rpm |
Until plane |
6 um DIAMAT diamond on TEXPAN polishing pad |
DIALUBE Purple Extender |
5-10 lbs |
100/100 rpm |
3 minutes |
1 um DIAMAT diamond on ATLANTIS polishing pad |
DIALUBE Purple Extender |
5-10 lbs |
100/100 rpm |
2 minutes |
0.05 um Nanometer alumina on NAPPAD polishing pad |
|
5-10 lbs |
100/100 rpm |
1 minute |
 |
Longitudinal glass fiber orientation, 100X
|
 |
| Transverse glass fiber orientation, 500X |