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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