1.2.1 Light microscope images
Images of etched specimen at 100, 200 and 500 times magnification. Single phase brass microstructure with grains aligned in the ED. Etch effect homogeneous in the alpha phase, not very sensitive to crystallographic orientations in this case. Lead particles in streaks along the ED.
Etching: 5g ferric chloride + 10ml conc. hydrochloric acid + 100 ml de-ionised water.
Specimen surface was parallel with extrusion direction (X=ED). Position ¼ depth.
1.2.2 EBSD/EDS analysis in the SEM
EBSD analysis with 1 µm step size
The material show a microstructure consisting of alpha phase with some beta phase. In this limited area it is difficult to make assumptions about texture.
Specimen surface was parallel with extrusion direction (X=ED). Position ¼ depth.
Surface was OP-S-polished.
Grain- and phase boundaries
In this material there are not a lot of low angle boundaries. The assumption would be that recrystallisation occurred after extrusion.
EDS mapping in parallel to EBSD analysis
Some segregation of Cu/Zn is seen and small amounts of beta phase was found in the microstructure. Pb particles in streaks. Small Fe, P, and Bi particles could be detected as well, but As and other elements etc. were not detected which indicates low levels and very small particles if present.
Large area mapping – Many (>40) analyses stitched together
The large area make statistics for grain size, phase fractions, texture, etc. better and now it is obvious that there ARE preferred orientations in X (ED). Pole figures for both phases show alpha texture with strong <100>//ED (48 times random) and weaker <111>//ED.
Beta texture is a strong <110>//ED, 27 times random.
Grain size, area weighted distribution