check for composition by Optical emission spectroscopy; based on this info look in the literature for appropriate etching agent

thank you. but is there any way to define the phases solely by studying the specimen under an OM?

Mayeesha

Yes, it would be rather crude n nt scientific

if one were a regular microscopist that could be possible ; of course with large errors

In microstructure what exactly u want to study only phase then go ahead of this, generally for steel u can use Nital solution.It easily sort out ur problem of surface morphology.