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The optical microscopy investigation involved analysing the sample under the 100x zoom optical microscope; the purpose being to quantify the depth of the expanded austenite layer caused by carbon diffusion and to compare how this depth alters from sample to sample. Comparisons could also be drawn between the previous investigations. It was also used to gather further information regarding grain size.

 

Prior to the testing, the carburised samples had to be mounted as a cross section, plated in a nickel coating to protect the surface layer and then etched in order to further reveal the grain boundaries.

 

Plesae click the buttom below for optical microscopy analysis.