Method of Metallographic Sample Preparation for Electron Backscatter Diffraction(EBSD)

Abstract

A new method of manufacturing metallographic samples for electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in a chamber of scanning electron microscope is developed. An important feature of the method consists in the possibility of cold pouring of metal samples into conductive filler for subsequent preparation of the samples and electropolishing. The metal sample is poured with a composite consisting of a self-hardening plastic “Protokril M,” carbonyl iron powder and iron turnings about 100 μm which provide sufficient conductivity not only for shooting of the sample in a scanning microscope, but also for electropolishing. The developed composite unlike self-hardening conductive analogues that require heating to 150°C polymerizes at room temperature which is an important advantage.