Hello fellow researchers. I am working on Nbc based cermets via liquid phase sintering.I am preparing 11.5mm Dia circular sample with varying thickness(3-6mm) for optimization and grain growthstudies.For metallography what will be the suitable grinding and polishing medium ?(diamond paste/or Suspension?alumina?)I have access to manual grinder and polisher(rotary with water feed).
Medium for initial rough grinding to fine polishing?
A suitable etchant for Nbc/Tic/VC based cermet's? solution?etching time?
Sem analysis of carbides is mostly done via BSE mode.Is it difficult to perform grain studies in SE mode in case of cermets?I dont have access to ebsd mode in my university but i can get it done via other institutes.
For ebsd preparation collodial silica polishing for 15-20mins?If you have an alternative recipe please do share.
Is cross sectional study an absolute must for metallography or the sintered surface can be polished for studies aswell?