ASTM E407-07
(Practice)Standard Practice for Microetching Metals and Alloys
Standard Practice for Microetching Metals and Alloys
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice lists recommended methods and solutions for the etching of specimens for metallographic examination. Solutions are listed to highlight phases present in most major alloy systems.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers chemical solutions and procedures to be used in etching metals and alloys for microscopic examination. Safety precautions and miscellaneous information are also included.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific cautionary statements, see 6.1 and Table 2.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: E407 – 07
Standard Practice for
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Microetching Metals and Alloys
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E407; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope deposition of a dielectric compound (such as ZnTe, ZnSe,
TiO ,ZnSorZnO)withaknownindexofrefraction,generally
1.1 This practice covers chemical solutions and procedures 2
duetolightinterferenceeffects(alsoknownasthe“Pepperhoff
to be used in etching metals and alloys for microscopic
method”).
examination. Safety precautions and miscellaneous informa-
tion are also included.
4. Summary of Practice
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 Table1 is an alphabetical listing of the metals (includ-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ing rare earths) and their alloys for which etching information
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
is available. For each metal and alloy, one or more etchant
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
numbers and their corresponding use is indicated. Alloys are
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
listed as a group or series when one or more etchants are
cautionary statements, see 6.1 and Table2.
common to the group or series. Specific alloys are listed only
2. Referenced Documents when necessary. When more than one etchant number is given
2
for a particular use, they are usually given in order of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
preference. The numbers of electrolytic etchants are italicized
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
to differentiate them from nonelectrolytic etchants.
E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography
4.2 Table2 is a numerical listing of all the etchants refer-
E2014 Guide on Metallographic Laboratory Safety
enced in Table1and includes the composition and general
3. Terminology procedure to be followed for each etchant.
4.3 To use the tables, look up the metal or alloy of interest
3.1 Definitions:
in Table1 and note the etchant numbers corresponding to the
3.1.1 For definition of terms used in this standard, see
results desired. The etchant composition and procedure is then
Terminology E7.
located in Table2corresponding to the etchant number.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4.4 If the common name of an etchant is known (Marble’s,
3.2.1 tint etch—an immersion etchant that produces color
Vilella’s, etc.), and it is desired to know the composition,
contrast, often selective to a particular constituent in the
Table3contains an alphabetical listing of etchant names, each
microstructure, due to a thin oxide, sulfide, molybdate, chro-
codedwithanumbercorrespondingtotheetchantcomposition
mate or elemental selenium film on the polished surface that
given in Table2.
reveals the structure due to variations in light interference
effects as a function of the film thickness (also called a 88stain
5. Significance and Use
etch”).
5.1 This practice lists recommended methods and solutions
3.2.2 vapor-deposition interference layer method— a tech-
for the etching of specimens for metallographic examination.
niqueforproducingenhancedcontrastbetweenmicrostructural
Solutions are listed to highlight phases present in most major
constituents, usually in color, by thin films formed by vacuum
alloy systems.
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6. Safety Precautions
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E04 on Metallog-
raphy and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E04.01 on Specimen
6.1 Beforeusingormixinganychemicals,allproductlabels
Preparation.
and pertinent Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be
Current edition approved May 1, 2007. Published May 2007. Originally
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as E407–99 DOI:
read and understood concerning all of the hazards and safety
10.1520/E0407-07.
precautions to be observed. Users should be aware of the type
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
of hazards involved in the use of all chemicals used, including
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
those hazards that are immediate, long-term, visible, invisible,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
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E407 – 07
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