160 Prakt. Met. Sonderband 38 (2006) 
4 CONCLUSIONS AP 
The microstructure of rapidly solidified ribbons of a Cu — 0.7 at.% Zr alloy prepared by OF 
standard metallographic technique has been compared to those obtained by focussed ion Eran 
beam (FIB) technology. 
Up to three morphological zones were identified in the cross-section of the sample prepared N 
by standard metallographic procedure. Their number, type and relative thickness depend on 
the ribbon thickness. The only second phase revealed in these samples were particles 
distributed inside the grains as well as at the grain boundaries. Their composition is close to 
CusZr intermetallics. Unfortunately their volume fraction can not be accurately analyzed in 
classically prepared samples. Additional problems present the indistinct edges and the 
artifacts in microstructures with a submicron size. 
The FIB preparation of rapidly solidified ribbons has been identified as a useful tool for AB 
resolving the finest details in the microstructure of rapidly solidified ribbons. The 
microstructure can be revealed on all surfaces. Using a combination of FIB-etching and 3D- 
microscopy we can reveal also the microstructure in the vertical cross-section near the free Sca 
surfaces. Mal 
Despite of imperfection, a standard metallographic preparation of vertical and horizontal cutt 
cross-sections of the ribbons is still the necessary step in the specimen preparation, since it ima 
shows the overall microstructural changing across the ribbon section. diffe 
Therefore a standard metallographic preparation of rapidly solidified ribbons is unavoidable, surf 
and the FIB preparation is a very useful supplement for higher quality in microstructural and 
analysis. rate 
orie 
Nar 
anc 
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