Recrystallization, Grain Growth, and Color Etching to Design an Artistic Microstructure in Cartridge Brass (C26000)

• Published in: Metallography, microstructure, and analysis microstructure, and analysis, 2022-10, Vol.11 (5), p.803-809
• Main Authors: Rome, Grace A., Wong, Addison C., Sanchez, Carmen M., Vigil, Gregory D., Cole, W. Preston, Yu, Jason, Crow, Robert S., Bourne, Gerald R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cartridges; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Design; Etchants; Feature; Grain growth; Indentation; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Microstructure; Nanotechnology; Polarized light; Recrystallization; Structural Materials; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films
• ISSN: 2192-9262; 2192-9270
• DOI: 10.1007/s13632-022-00901-7

This report details the creation of artistically engineered microstructural images for the 2021 International Metallographic Contest (IMC) and Exhibit. The concept for these images is to utilize purposeful recrystallization and grain growth to make designs in the microstructure. C26000 cartridge brass was the material used. The grains were initially grown to be large through annealing and then indentations were added. Recrystallization was induced, and the indentations were polished away to reveal the newly created grains in the designed pattern. The indentation spacing and load was determined by testing a range of loads and spacings for optimal parameters. The best conditions were determined to follow spacing between 80 and 100 μm with a load of 1 kgf. The complex designs were engineered through AutoCAD to create CSV files which were input into a LECO automated indentation testing system (AMH55). Finally, three etchants from literature were investigated, Klemm’s I, Klemm’s II, and Klemm’s III, with Klemm’s II being chosen for its vibrant colors under polarized light. All of the investigations were combined to create several different images for submission to the International Metallographic Competition (IMC).