Material details:Cast alloy 5086.Heated to an elevated temperature . Of about 673K . Kept at that temperature for some time . And then rapidly quenched for 20secs .Sample is small .Dimension(1.5*1.5)sqcm .
It is not easy to obtain microstructural feature of Al-Mg alloys. Electroetching is preferred and to some extent fresh modified Poultons will reveal grain boundaries.
Have you tried Keller's reagent? Suitable for Al alloys....after polishing, buffing, the etchant needs to be applied for 5 mins and excess could be removed using hot air blast (hair dryer cud be used)..then go for SEM or high mag. Optical microscopy..
If Keller's reagent does not work, you can try Anodic Coating. The electrolyte is Hydrogen fluoride solution (HF) + H2O, and the volume ratio is 1HF:5H2O. Besides, time is about 3min, the voltage is about 22V. BEST WISHES!