Carbon Steel Sample Preparation

Introduction

Carbon steel is one of the most commonly analyzed materials in metallography. Proper preparation is essential to reveal the true microstructure without introducing artifacts such as deformation, scratches, or contamination. This guide will walk you through the complete preparation process.

Carbon steel microstructure showing ferrite and pearlite, properly prepared and etched. This image demonstrates the proper microstructure revealed through correct preparation techniques.

Carbon steels can vary significantly in hardness depending on carbon content and heat treatment. For example, 1018 is a low-carbon steel (typically 126 HB) that requires lighter pressure during preparation, while1045 is a medium-carbon steel (around 170 HB) that can tolerate more aggressive preparation. The key is to use appropriate abrasives and maintain consistent pressure throughout the process based on the specific steel grade and its hardness.

Sectioning

When sectioning carbon steel samples, use a slow cutting speed to minimize heat generation and deformation. A cutting speed of 100-200 RPM is typically appropriate for most carbon steel grades like 1018 and1045. For hardened or high-carbon steels such as1095, use slower speeds to prevent phase transformation.

MAX-D abrasive cut-off blades designed for general steels and ferrous metals like carbon steel. For hard or case-hardened carbon steels, MAX-VHS series blades may be more appropriate. Thin blades (0.5-1.0 mm) minimize heat generation and deformation.

• Use MAX-D series blades for general carbon steel grades, or MAX-VHS series for hard/case-hardened carbon steels
• Use a thin abrasive cut-off wheel (0.5-1.0 mm thickness)
• Apply steady, moderate pressure
• Use adequate coolant to prevent overheating and phase transformation
• Allow the wheel to do the cutting - avoid forcing

Mounting

Mounting provides edge retention and easier handling. For carbon steel, compression mounting with phenolic or epoxy resins works well. Phenolic is often preferred for better edge retention, especially for hardened steels.

Compression Mounting

1. Clean the sample thoroughly to remove cutting fluid and debris
2. Place sample in mounting press with appropriate resin
3. Apply pressure: 3000-4000 psi for phenolic, 2000-3000 psi for epoxy
4. Heat to 150-180°C and hold for 5-8 minutes
5. Cool under pressure to room temperature

Grinding

Grinding removes sectioning damage and prepares the surface for polishing. Start with coarse grits and progressively move to finer grits. For carbon steel, we recommend the following sequence:

Silicon carbide (SiC) grinding papers in various grit sizes (120, 240, 400, 600) for progressive grinding. Rotate sample 90° between each grit to ensure complete scratch removal.

Grinding Sequence

1. 120 grit: Remove sectioning damage (30-60 seconds per step)
2. 240 grit: Remove previous scratches (30-60 seconds)
3. 400 grit: Further refinement (30-60 seconds)
4. 600 grit: Final grinding step (30-60 seconds)

Important: Rotate the sample 90° between each grit to ensure complete removal of previous scratches. Use water as a lubricant and maintain consistent pressure. For softer, low-carbon steels, use lighter pressure to avoid deformation.

Polishing

Polishing removes grinding scratches and prepares a mirror-like surface. For carbon steel, diamond polishing followed by oxide polishing typically yields excellent results. The procedure is similar to stainless steel, with adjustments based on hardness.

Polycrystalline diamond compound provides aggressive cutting action ideal for carbon steels.

Various polishing pads and cloths for different polishing stages. Select pad hardness based on steel hardness and polishing stage.

Diamond Polishing

1. 9 μm diamond: 3-5 minutes on a hard cloth (e.g., Texmet)
2. 3 μm diamond: 3-5 minutes on a medium-hard cloth
3. 1 μm diamond: 2-3 minutes on a soft cloth

Final Polishing

1. 0.05 μm colloidal silica: 1-2 minutes on a soft cloth
2. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with compressed air

Use appropriate polishing lubricants and maintain consistent pressure. Over-polishing can introduce relief, especially around inclusions or second phases. For softer, low-carbon steels, use lighter pressure and shorter times to avoid deformation.

Etching

Etching reveals the microstructure by selectively attacking grain boundaries and phases. The choice of etchant depends on the carbon content, heat treatment, and what features you want to reveal. Nital (nitric acid in ethanol) is the most common etchant for carbon steel.

1018 Carbon steel etched with 2% Nital, magnification (DIC). Proper etching reveals grain boundaries and phase structure without over-etching artifacts.

Common Etchants for Carbon Steel

• 2% Nital: General purpose for softer, low-carbon steels like 1018. Reveals ferrite grain boundaries and pearlite structure (2% HNO₃ in ethanol)
• 3% Nital: Standard concentration for most carbon steels including 1045. Most commonly used (3% HNO₃ in ethanol)
• 5% Nital: For harder carbon steels such as 1095. More aggressive etching (5% HNO₃ in ethanol)
• Picral: Excellent for revealing pearlite and cementite without attacking ferrite boundaries (2-4g picric acid per 100ml ethanol)
• Vilella's Reagent: For ferrite-carbide structures. Also useful for revealing prior austenite grain boundaries

Etching solutions and reagents for carbon steel. Common etchants include Nital (2%, 3%, 5%), Picral, and Vilella's Reagent. Etching time typically ranges from 5-30 seconds depending on the etchant and steel grade.

Etching Procedure

1. Ensure sample is clean and dry
2. Apply etchant with cotton swab or immerse sample
3. Etch for 5-30 seconds (time varies by etchant and steel grade/hardness)
4. Immediately rinse with water, then alcohol
5. Dry with compressed air

Tip: Start with shorter etching times (5-10 seconds) and increase if needed. Over-etching can obscure fine details. For softer steels like 1018, use lower Nital concentrations (2-3%). For hardened steels such as 1095, higher concentrations (5%) may be needed. Picral is particularly useful for revealing pearlite structures in medium-carbon steels like 1045.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

• Scratches remaining: Insufficient grinding/polishing time or skipped grits. Ensure complete scratch removal at each step.
• Relief around inclusions: Over-polishing or too soft a cloth. Reduce polishing time or use slightly harder cloth.
• Contamination: Clean between steps, use fresh abrasives, and ensure proper sample cleaning.
• Poor edge retention: Consider using phenolic mounting material or different mounting technique.
• Over-etching: Reduce etching time or use lower Nital concentration. Start with shorter times.
• Under-etching: Increase etching time or use higher Nital concentration. Ensure sample is clean before etching.
• Phase transformation during cutting: Use slower cutting speed and adequate coolant to prevent overheating.