Metallographic Specimen Preparation Procedures

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Ceramic Coating Superalloys

To improve both the wear and temperature resistance of Superalloys, coating of zirconia or other ceramics are applied to the turbine blade. Metallographic analysis is used to determine the quality and integrity of the coating, as well as, any delamination problems. In order to get an accurate measurement on the coating, specimen preparation must focus on minimizing damage to the coating. Minimizing damage as early as the abrasive cutting operation ensures successful preparation. For cutting ceramic coated Superalloys, the MAX-H series blade is recommended. Mounting with a fine EPOCOMP epoxy helps to better protect the surface during grinding and polishing.

Grinding must also minimize damage to the coating, so initial grinding should be with the finest SiC paper which provides acceptable grinding rates (e.g. 320 grit SiC paper). Grinding to 1200 grit SiC paper followed by a 1 micron diamond on a DACRON using colloidal silica as a lubricant and CMP polishing abrasive provides the best finish and flatness to the ceramic coating and metal interface.

SECTIONING
MAXCUT Abrasive blade (Cat. No. MAX-H series)

MOUNTING
Compression Mounting fine EPOCOMP Epoxy compression mounting resins

POLISHING