I am doing a study on void content in composites after the use of the VARTM process and i need to analyze test pieces with microscopes and SEM. With all the study ive read, they mention polishing the test pieces prior analysis. Is it a must to do polishing if test piece is machined with a water-jet cutter? If yes, how do i polish? Thank you.
It depends on what you want to see in the SEM, but it can be a bad idea to polish the samples before. You may be introducing unwanted structural changes or, on the other hand, destroying what you want to see.
@Manuel J. Ribeiro Hello Dr,
I'm using SEM and microscopes to detect voids in the cross sections of composite test pieces that has been cut from the use of a water-jet cutter. Are there any steps that has to be done before analyzing?
In this particular case, I would say that the surface to be observed by SEM must be minimally prepared: carefully cut, polished and well cleaned (usually with a good microwave wash)
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