SEM Sample Preparation of Mg Tensile Bars

Loss Prevention

1. Safety glasses should always be worn in the metallography labs
2. Make sure the safety guard is active before cutting with the abrasive saw
3. Do not allow the tensile bar fracture surface to directly contact anything that might damage the sample

Procedure

1. To protect the fracture site, wrap electrical tape around the tensile bar at the end of the fracture site and pinch the end closed. Ensure that the tape is wrapped far enough away from the fracture surface so that the closed end does not contact the surface (Figure 1).
2. Use an abrasive saw with Valcool coolant to cut the tensile bar ½ inch down from the fracture surface
3. Carefully remove the tape at the end of the sectioned sample to expose the fractured surface
4. Place absorbent pads on the bottom of a small beaker, fill the beaker with ethanol, and place the sample in the beaker, ensuring that the fracture surface is face up.
5. Place the beaker and its contents in an ultrasonic cleaner for 10 minutes (Figure 2).
6. Use tongs to remove the sample from the ethanol bath, and use compressed air to dry the sample
7. Carbon coat the sample

Figure 1

Figure 2