Astm e 407

Designation: E407 07 (Reapproved 2015)1
Standard Practice for

Microetching Metals and Alloys1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E407; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1 NOTEOriginally approved date was editorially corrected to 1970 in footnote 1 in January 2016.
1. Scope 3.2.2 vapor-deposition interference layer method a tech-

1.1 This practice covers chemical solutions and procedures nique for producing enhanced contrast between microstructural
to be used in etching metals and alloys for microscopic constituents, usually in color, by thin films formed by vacuum
examination. Safety precautions and miscellaneous informa- deposition of a dielectric compound (such as ZnTe, ZnSe,
tion are also included. TiO2, ZnS or ZnO) with a known index of refraction, generally
due to light interference effects (also known as the Pepperhoff
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the method).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4. Summary of Practice
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 4.1 Table 1 is an alphabetical listing of the metals (includ-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific ing rare earths) and their alloys for which etching information
cautionary statements, see 6.1 and Table 2. is available. For each metal and alloy, one or more etchant
numbers and their corresponding use is indicated. Alloys are
2. Referenced Documents listed as a group or series when one or more etchants are
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 common to the group or series. Specific alloys are listed only
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water when necessary. When more than one etchant number is given
E7 Terminology Relating to Metallography for a particular use, they are usually given in order of
E2014 Guide on Metallographic Laboratory Safety preference. The numbers of electrolytic etchants are italicized
to differentiate them from nonelectrolytic etchants.
3. Terminology 4.2 Table 2 is a numerical listing of all the etchants refer-
3.1 Definitions: enced in Table 1and includes the composition and general
3.1.1 For definition of terms used in this standard, see procedure to be followed for each etchant.
Terminology E7. 4.3 To use the tables, look up the metal or alloy of interest
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: in Table 1 and note the etchant numbers corresponding to the
3.2.1 tint etchan immersion etchant that produces color results desired. The etchant composition and procedure is then
contrast, often selective to a particular constituent in the located in Table 2corresponding to the etchant number.
microstructure, due to a thin oxide, sulfide, molybdate, chro-
4.4 If the common name of an etchant is known (Marbles,
mate or elemental selenium film on the polished surface that
Vilellas, etc.), and it is desired to know the composition,
reveals the structure due to variations in light interference
Table 3contains an alphabetical listing of etchant names, each
effects as a function of the film thickness (also called a ''stain
coded with a number corresponding to the etchant composition
etch).
given in Table 2.
5. Significance and Use
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E04 on Metallog- 5.1 This practice lists recommended methods and solutions
raphy and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E04.01 on Specimen
Preparation. for the etching of specimens for metallographic examination.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015. Published September 2015. Originally Solutions are listed to highlight phases present in most major
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as E407071. DOI: alloy systems.
10.1520/E0407-07R15E01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6. Safety Precautions
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on 6.1 Before using or mixing any chemicals, all product labels
the ASTM website. and pertinent Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be
Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Fri Sep 30 13:53:40 EDT 2016
1
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E407 07 (2015)1
read and understood concerning all of the hazards and safety 6.2.7 When working with HF always be sure to wear the
precautions to be observed. Users should be aware of the type appropriate gloves, eye protection and apron. Buying HF at the
of hazards involved in the use of all chemicals used, including lowest useable concentration will significantly reduce risk.
those hazards that are immediate, long-term, visible, invisible, Additionally, it is recommended that a calcium gluconate
and with or without odors. See Guide E2014 on Metallographic cream or other appropriate HF neutralizing agent be available
Laboratory Safety for additional information on; Chemical for use if direct skin contact of the etchant occurs.
Safety, Electrolytic Polishing/Etching and Laboratory 6.2.8 The EPA states that human studies have clearly
Ventilation/Fume Hoods. established that inhaled chromium (VI) is a human carcinogen,
6.1.1 Consult the product labels and MSDSs for recommen- resulting in an increased risk of lung cancer. Animal studies
dations concerning proper protective clothing. have shown chromium (VI) to cause lung tumors via inhalation
6.1.2 All chemicals are potentially dangerous. All persons exposure. Therefore, when working with Cr(VI) compounds
using any etchants should be thoroughly familiar with all of the such as K2Cr2O7 and CrO3 always use a certified and tested
chemicals involved and the proper procedure for handling, fume hood. Additional information can be obtained at the EPA
mixing, and disposing of each chemical, as well as any website3.
combinations of those chemicals. This includes being familiar 6.2.9 For safety in transportation, picric acid is distributed
with the federal, state, and local regulations governing the by the manufacturer wet with greater than 30% water. Care
handling, storage, and disposal of these chemical etchants. must be taken to keep it moist because dry picric acid is shock
sensitive and highly explosive especially when it is combined
6.2 Some basic suggestions for the handling and disposing
with metals such as copper, lead, zinc, and iron. It will also
of etchants and their ingredients are as follows:
react with alkaline materials including plaster and concrete to
6.2.1 When pouring, mixing, or etching, always use the
form explosive compounds. It should be purchased in small
proper protective equipment, (glasses, gloves, apron, etc.) and
quantities suitable for use in six to twelve months and checked
it is strongly recommended to always work under a certified
periodically for lack of hydration. Distilled water may be
and tested fume hood. This is imperative with etchants that
added to maintain hydration, It must only be stored in plastic or
give off noxious odors or toxic vapors that may accumulate or
glass bottles with nonmetallic lids. If dried particles are noted
become explosive. In particular, note that solutions containing
on or near the lid, submerge the bottle in water to re-hydrate
perchloric acid must be used in an exclusive hood equipped
them before opening. It is recommended that any bottle of
with a wash down feature to avoid accumulation of explosive
picric acid that appears dry or is of unknown vintage not be
perchlorates. See Guide E2014 on Metallographic Laboratory
opened and that proper emergency personnel be notified.
Safety for additional information on safety precautions for
6.2.10 Wipe up or flush any and all spills, no matter how
electrolytes containing perchloric acid..
minute in nature.
6.2.2 No single type of glove will protect against all 6.2.11 Properly dispose of all solutions that are not identi-
possible hazards. Therefore, a glove must be carefully selected fied by composition and concentration.
and used to ensure that it will provide the needed protection for 6.2.12 Store, handle and dispose of chemicals according to
the specific etchant being used. In some instances it may be the manufacturers recommendations. Observe printed cau-
necessary to wear more than one pair of gloves to provide tions on reagent bottles.
proper protection. Information describing the appropriate glove 6.2.13 Information pertaining to the toxicity, hazards, and
may be obtained by consulting the MSDS for the chemical working precautions of the chemicals, solvents, acids, bases,
being used. If that does not provide enough detailed etc. being used (such as material safety data sheets, MSDS)
information, contact the chemical manufacturer directly. should be available for rapid consultation. A selection of useful
Additionally, one can contact the glove manufacturer or, if books on this subject is given in Refs. (1-11)4.
available, consult the manufacturers glove chart. If the chemi- 6.2.14 Facilities which routinely use chemical etchants
cal is not listed or if chemical mixtures are being used, contact should have an employee safety training program to insure the
the glove manufacturer for a recommendation. employees have the knowledge to properly handle chemical
6.2.3 Use proper devices (glass or plastic) for weighing, etchants.
mixing, containing, and storage of solutions. A number of 6.2.15 When working with etchants always know where the
etchants generate fumes or vapors and should only be stored in nearest safety shower, eye-wash station, and emergency tele-
properly vented containers. Storage of fuming etchants in phone are located.
sealed or non-vented containers may create an explosion
hazard. 7. Miscellaneous Information
6.2.4 When mixing etchants, always add reagents to the 7.1 If you know the trade name of an alloy and need to
solvent unless specific instructions indicate otherwise. know the composition to facilitate the use of Table 1, refer to
6.2.5 When etching, always avoid direct physical contact a compilation such as Ref (12).
with the etchant and specimen; use devices such as tongs to
7.2 Reagent grade chemicals shall be used for all etchants.
hold the specimen (and tufts of cotton, if used).
Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents
6.2.6 Methanol is a cumulative poison hazard. Where etha-
nol or methanol, or both are listed as alternates, ethanol is the 3
http://www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/hlthef/chromium.html
preferred solvent. Methanol should be used in a properly 4
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end
designed chemical fume hood. of this standard.
2
E407 07 (2015)1
conform to specifications of the Committee on Analytical 7.13 Tint etchants (13, 14-16) are always used by
Reagents of the American Chemical Society where such immersion, never by swabbing, as this would inhibit film
specifications are available. Other grades, such as United States formation. An extremely high quality polish is required as tint
Pharmacopeia (USP), may be used, provided it is first ascer- etchants will reveal remaining polishing damage even if it is
tained that the reagent is of sufficiently high purity to permit its not visible with bright field illumination. After polishing, the
use without detrimental effect. surface must be carefully cleaned. Use a polyethylene beaker
7.2.1 Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall to contain the etchant if it contains fluorine ions (for example,
be understood to mean reagent water as defined by Type IV of etchants containing ammonium bifluoride, NH4 FHF). The
specification D1193. Experience has shown that the quality of specimen is placed in the solution using tongs, polished face
tap water varies significantly and can adversely affect some up. Gently agitate the solution while observing the polished
etchants. surface. After coloration begins, allow the solution to settle and
7.3 Methanol is usually available only as absolute methanol. remain motionless. Remove the specimen from the etchant
When using this alcohol it is imperative that approximately 5 when the surface is colored violet, rinse and dry. A light
volume % of water is added whenever an etchant composition pre-etch with a general-purpose chemical etchant may lead to
calls for 95 % methanol. Some of these etchants will not work sharper delineation of the structure after tint etching.
at all if water is not present. 7.14 Specimens should be carefully cleaned before use of a
7.4 For conversion of small liquid measurements, there are vapor-deposition interference film (Pepperhoff) method (13,
approximately 20 drops/mL. 14-17). A light pre-etch, or a slight amount of polishing relief,
may lead to sharper delination of the constituents after vapor
7.5 Etching should be carried out on a freshly polished deposition. The deposition is conducted inside a vacuum
specimen. evaporator of the type used to prepare replicas for electron
7.6 Gentle agitation of the specimen or solution during microscopy. One or several small lumps of a suitable dielectric
immersion etching will result in a more uniform etch. compound with the desired index of refraction is heated under
7.7 The etching times given are only suggested starting a vacuum until it evaporates. A vacuum level of 1.3 to 0.013 Pa
ranges and not absolute limits. (103 to 105 mm Hg) is adequate and the polished surface
should be about 1015 cm beneath the device that holds the
7.8 In electrolytic etching, d-c current is implied unless dielectric compound. Slowly evaporate the lumps and observe
indicated otherwise. the surface of the specimen. It may be helpful to place the
7.9 A good economical source of d-c current for small scale specimen on a small piece of white paper. As the film thickness
electrolytic etching is the standard 6-V lantern battery. increases, the surface (and the paper) will become colored with
7.10 In electrolytic etching, the specimen is the anode the color sequence changing in the order yellow, green, red,
unless indicated otherwise. purple, violet, blue, silvery blue. Stop the evaporation when the
color is purple to violet, although in some cases, thinner films
7.11 Do not overlook the possibility of multiple etching with green or red colors have produced good results.
with more than one solution in order to fully develop the
structure of the specimen. 7.15 Metals Handbook (18) provides additional advice on
etching solutions and techniques for various alloys.
7.12 Microscope objectives can be ruined by exposure to
hydrofluoric acid fumes from etchant residue inadvertently left 8. Precision and Bias
on the specimen. This problem is very common when the
specimen or mounting media contain porosity and when the 8.1 It is not possible to specify the precision or bias of this
mounting material (such as Bakelite) does not bond tightly to practice since quantitative measurements are not made.
the specimen resulting in seepage along the edges of the
specimen. In all cases, extreme care should be taken to remove 9. Keywords
all traces of the etchant by thorough washing and complete 9.1 etch; etchant; interference method; metallography; met-
drying of the specimen before placing it on the microscope als; microetch; microscope; microstructure; Pepperhoff
stage. method; tint etch
3
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 1 Etchants for Metals
NOTE 1It is strongly recommended to always mix and use etchants under a certified and tested fume hood.
NOTE 2Electrolytic etchants are italicized.
Metal Etchants Uses
Aluminum Base:
Pure Al 1a, 2, 3 general structure
4, 5 grain structure under polarized light
1b grain boundaries and slip lines
1000 series 1a, 3, 2 general structure

6, 7 phase identifications
2000 series 3, 2, 1a general structure

8a, 6, 7 phase identifications
3000 series 3, 1a general structure

8a, 6, 7 phase identifications
4000 series 3, 1a general structure
5000 series 3, 1a, 2, 6, 8a general structure

6000 series 3, 1a, 2, 6, 8a, 222 general structure

1a, 2, 7, 6, 8a phase identifications
7000 series 3, 1a, 2 general structure

3b, 6 phase identifications
Beryllium Base:
Pure Be 9, 10 general structure via polarized light
Be alloys 11 general structure
Chromium Base: 12, 13c general structure
Cobalt Base:
Pure Co 14, 15, 16, 17 general structure
Hard-facing and tool metals 18, 19, 20 general structure
High-temperature alloys 20, 18, 16, 21, 22b, 24, 25 general structure
19 phase identification
Columbium Base (see niobium base)
Copper Base:
Pure Cu 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31d, 32, 33, 34b, 35, general structure
36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 8b, 210, 215
43, 28 chemical polish and etch
Cu-Al (aluminum bronze) 44, 31d, 34b, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, general structure
45, 215
Cu-Be 46, 41, 45 general structure
Cu-Cr 41 general structure
Cu-Mn 41 general structure
Cu-Ni 34, 47, 48, 40, 49, 50 general structure
Cu-Si 41 general structure
Cu-Sn (tin bronze) 51, 52 general structure
Admiralty metal 8b general structure

Gilding metal
Cartridge brass
Free-cutting brass
Nickel silver 31d, 32, 33, 41, 42, 49 general structure
Cu alloys 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 44, 41, 31d, 32, 33, general structure
34b, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 210, 215
53, 43, 28, 49 chemical polish and etch
42, 49, 210 darkens beta in alpha-beta brass
54 etching of cold worked brass
Dysprosium Base: 55, 56 general structure
4
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 1 Continued
Metal Etchants Uses
Erbium Base: 55, 56 general structure

Gadolinium Base: 55, 56, 57 general structure
Germanium Base: 58, 59, 60 general structure
Gold Base:
Pure Au 61, 62 general structure
63 chemical polish and etch
Au alloys 64b, 62 general structure
>90 % noble metals 61 general structure
<90 % noble metals 65 general structure
Hafnium base: 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 general structure

71 grain structure under polarized light
Holmium Base: 55, 56 general structure

Iridium Base: 73c general structure
Iron Base:
Pure Fe 74a grain boundaries
75 substructure
210 colors ferrite grains
Fe + C 76, 74a, 77, 78, 79 general structure

and 74a, 77, 31a, 223 ferrite grain boundaries
Fe + <1C + <4 % additions 80, 81, 82 prior austenitic grain boundaries in martensitic and
bainitic steels
78, 222a untempered martensite
31b, 78 carbides and phosphides (matrix darkened, carbides
and phosphides remain bright)
83 cementite attacked rapidly, sustenite less, ferrite and
iron phosphide least
84 overheating and burning
85 stains carbides
86 chemical polish-etch
210, 211 colors ferrite
213, 214 colors carbides
216 colors lath martensite in low-carbon high-alloy grades
222b for dual phase steels; reveals pearlite, darkens
martensite and outlines austenite
Fe + 412 Cr 80, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 79, 210 general structure
Fe + 1230 Cr + <6 Ni (400 Series) 80, 87, 88, 89, 34, 40, 92, 93, 94, 95, 91, 226 general structure
96, 97, 98 signs phase
31c carbides
219 grain boundary etch
220 darkens delta ferrite
Fe + 1220 Cr + 410 Ni + <7 % 80, 31c, 89, 99, 100, 91 general structure
other elements (controlled trans- 31c carbides
formation, precipitation harden- 86 chemical polish-etch
ing, stainless maraging alloys) 220 darkens delta ferrite
Fe + 1530 Cr + 640 Ni + <5 % 13b, 89, 87, 88, 83a, 80, 94, 95, 91, general structure
other elements (300 Series) 101, 212, 221, 226
13a, 102, 31c, 48c, 213 carbides and sensitization
and 48, 96, 97, 98 stains sigma phase
Fe + 1625 Cr + 36 Ni + 510 103, 104, 98 delineates sigma phase and
Mn (200 series) 103, 104 welds of dissimilar metals
219 grain boundary etch (no twins)
220 darkens delta ferrite
High temperature 89, 25, 105, 106, 97, 212, 221 general structure
107, 108, 213 ' precipitate
Nonstainless maraging steels 109, 89, 99, 100, 221 general structure
83b grain boundaries
5
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 1 Continued
Metal Etchants Uses
Tool steels 74a, 80, 14 general structure

110 grain boundaries in tempered tool steel
210, 211 colors ferrite, lower alloy grades
214, 214 colors cementite
224, 225 carbides attacked and colored
Superalloys 86, 87, 94, 221, 226 general etch
111 general structure
111 ' depletion
Lead Base:
Pure Pb 57, 112 general structure
113 for alternate polishing and etching
Pb + <2 Sb 114, 115, 57, 74b general structure

Pb + >2 Sb 114, 57, 74b general structure
Pb + Ca 112 general structure
Pb alloys 116, 117b general structure
Babbitt 74b general structure
Magnesium Base:
Pure Mg 118, 119, 74a, 120, 121, 122 general structure
123 stain-free polish-etch
Mg-Mn 119, 74a, 124, 122 general structure

Mg-Al, Mg-Al-Zn (Al + Zn <5 %) 118, 119, 74a, 125, 124, 123, 122 general structure
120, 125, 126, 127 phase identification
124, 126, 127 grain structure
Mg-Al, Mg-Al-Zn (Al + Zn >5 %) 118, 119, 74a, 125, 124, 121, 122 general structure
120, 125, 126, 127 phase identification
Mg-Zn-Zr 118, 119, 74a, 1d, 128, 124, 126, general structure
and 127, 121, 122
Mg-Zn-Th-Zr 120, 121 phase identification
Mg-Th-Zr 118, 119, 74a, 1d, 124, 127, 121, 122 general structure
and
Mg-Rare Earth-Zr 120, 121 phase identification
Molybdenum Base: 98c, 129, 130, 131 general structure

As cast 132a chemical polish prior to etching
Nickel Base:
Pure Ni and high Ni alloys 133, 134, 47, 135, 136, 25, 108, 31c general structure
137 grain boundary sulfidation
Ni-Ag 38, 138, 50, 139 general structure

Ni-Al 50, 140, 141, 142, 89, 143 general structure
Ni-Cr 144, 50, 83, 134, 145, 98, 146, 147, 13a general structure
Ni-Cu 38, 138, 50, 133, 140, 25, 134, 47, general structure
48b, 94, 108, 34
Ni-Fe 50, 140, 141, 83, 134, 148, 40, 107, 149 general structure
74e, 25, 150 orientation pitting
Ni-Mn 74e general structure
Ni-Mo 143 general structure
Ni-Ti 143, 151, 50, 133 general structure
Ni-Zn 152 general structure
Superalloys 94, 105, 138, 153, 12, 87, 89, 212, 226 general structure
25, 94 grain size
107, 111, 13a reveals microstructural inhomogeneity
133 grain boundary sulfidation
154 fine precipitation structure
19b, 155, 156 differential matrix and nonmetallic staining
22a for passive alloys (for example, UNS Alloy N06625)
157 specific for UNS Alloy N10004
107 submicroscopic structure in aged super-alloys particu-
larly for electron microscopy. Stains the matrix when '
precipitates are present
154 ' banding
18 pre-etch activation for passive specimens
213 colors carbide and '
6
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 1 Continued
Metal Etchants Uses
Niobium (Columbium) Base: 129, 66, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163 general structure
164, 129, 160 grain boundaries
Osmium Base: 165a general structure

165a etch-polishing for viewing grains with polarized light
Palladium Base:
Pure Pd 61, 166, 62, 165a general structure
Pd alloys 166, 64a, 62, 165a general structure
Platinum Base:
Pure Pt 64a, 73a general structure
167 electrolytic polish and etch
Pt Alloys 64b, 73a general structure

Pt-10 % Rh 168 general structure
Plutonium Base: 169 general structure

Rhenium Base: 13b, 98c, 132b, 170a general structure
Rhodium Base: 171 general structure
Ruthenium Base: 73b general structure
73b etch-polishing for viewing grains with polarized light
Silver Base:
Pure Ag 172, 173, 62 general structure
Ag alloys 65, 61, 174, 175, 62 general structure
Ag-Cu alloys 130 general structure
Ag-Pd alloys 173 general structure
Ag solders 173, 176 general structure
Tantalum Base:
Pure Ta 177 general structure
Ta alloys 159, 66, 178, 163, 161, 179 general structure
164 grain boundaries and inclusions
158 grain boundariesretains carbide precipitate
Thorium Base:
Pure Th 185 general structure
Th alloys 185 general structure
Tin Base:
Pure Sn 74d, 180, 151 general structure
181 grain boundaries
Sn-Cd 74d general structure
Sn-Fe 74d, 177a general structure
Sn-Pb 182, 183, 74b general structure
116 darkens Pb in Sn-Pb eutectic
Sn coatings (on steel) 183 general structure
Babbitts 184 general structure
Sn-Sb-Cu 74b general structure
Titanium Base:
Pure Ti 186, 187, 67, 68, 69, 217 general structure
188 removes stain
Ti-5 Al-2,5 Sn 189 reveals hydrides
Ti-6 Al-6 V-2 Sn 190 Stains alpha and transformed beta, retained beta re
mains white
Ti-Al-Zr 191 general structure
Ti-8Mn 192 general structure
Ti-13 V-11 Cr-3 Al (aged) 192 general structure
Ti-Si 193 general structure
Ti alloys 186, 187, 192, 194, 158, 132b, 1c, 67, general structure
68, 69, 3a, 218
11, 1c reveals alpha case
72, 192, 178 chemical polish and etch
170a outlines and darkens hydrides in some alloys
188 removes stain
Tungsten Base:
7
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 1 Continued
Metal Etchants Uses
Pure W 98c, 131 general structure

As cast 132a chemical polish prior to etching
W-Th 209 general structure
Uranium Base:
Pure U 67, 69, 195, 196 general structure
U + Zr 68 general structure
U beryllides 170a general structure
U alloys 67, 69, 195, 96 general structure
207 carbides
Vanadium Base:
Pure V 170b, 165b general structure
197, 198 grain boundaries
V alloys 199, 198 general structure
Zinc Base:
Pure Zn 200a general structure
Zn-Co 177 general structure
Zn-Cu 201 general structure
203 distinguishes gamma () and epsilon ()
Zn-Fe 74a structure of galvanized sheet
Die castings 202 general structure
Zirconium Base: 66, 67, 204, 68, 69, 205 general structure
71 grain structure under polarized light
8
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Numerical List of Etchants
NOTE 1It is strongly recommended to always mix and use etchants under a certified and test fume hood.
Etchant Composition Procedure
1 1 mL HF (a) Swab with cotton for 15 s.

200 mL water (b) Alternately immerse and polish several minutes.
(c) Immerse 35 s.
(d) Immerse 10120 s.
2 3 mL HF (a) Swab 10 s to reveal general structure.
100 mL water (b) Immerse 15 min, wash 10 min in water to form film with hatching which varies with
grain orientation.
3 2 mL HF (a) Immerse 1020 s Wash in stream of warm water. Reveals general structure.
3 mL HCl (b) Dilute with 4 parts water-colors constituentsmix fresh.
5 mL HNO3
190 mL water
4 24 mL H3 PO4 Electrolytic: Use carbon cathode raising d-c voltage from 030 V in 30 s. Total etching time
3 min
50 mL Carbitol (diethylene glycol monoethyl with agitation. Wash and cool. Repeat if necessary.
ether)
4 g boric acid
2 g oxalic acid
10 mL HF
32 mL water
5 5 g HBF4 Electrolytic: Use Al, Pb, or stainless steel cathode. Anodize 13 min, 2045 V d-c. At 30 V,
200 mL water etch for 1 min.
6 25 mL HNO3 Immerse 40 s at 70C (160F). Rinse in cold water.

75 mL water
7 1020 mL H2 SO4 Immerse 30 s at 70C (160F). Rinse in cold water.

80 mL water
8 10 mL H3 PO4 (a) Immerse 13 min at 50C (120F).

90 mL water (b) Electrolytic at 18 V for 510 s.
9 34 g sulfamic acid Use just prior to the last polishing operation. It is not intended as a final etchant. The
5 drops HF specimen is examined as polished under polarized light.
100 mL water
10 10 mL HF Immerse 1030 s.
90 mL methanol (90 %)
11 2 mL HF Immerse or swab few seconds to a minute.

100 mL water
12 20 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Immerse or swab 560 s.
60 mL HCl
13 10 g oxalic acid Electrolytic at 6 V:

100 mL water (a) 1015 s.
(b) 1 min.
(c) 23 s.
Use stainless steel cathode and platinum or Nichrome connection to specimen.
14 10 mL HNO3 Immerse few seconds to a minute.

15 15 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Age before use. Immerse 530 s. May be used electrolyti-
15 mL acetic acid cally.
60 mL HCl
15 mL water
16 510 mL HCl Electrolytic at 3 V for 210 s.

100 mL water
17 5 mL HCl Electrolytic at 6 V for few seconds.

10 g FeCl3
100 mL water
18 210 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 3 V for 210 s.
100 mL water
9
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
19 A Immerse in freshly mixed Solutions A + B (1:1) for 510 s. If surface activation is

8 g NaOH necessary, first use Etch #18, then rinse in water. While still wet, immerse in Solutions
100 mL water A + B (1:1). Mixture of solutions A + B has 15-min useful life. Note: KMnO4 is an agressive
B staining agent.
Saturated aqueous solution of KMnO4
20 5 mL H2 O2 (30 %) Use a certified and tested hood. Mix fresh. Immerse polished face up for few seconds.
100 mL HCl
21 1 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. To mix, add the HCl to CrO3. Electrolytic at 3 V for 210
140 mL HCl s.
22 100 mL HCl Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store.

0.5 mL H2 O2 (30 %) (a) Immerse or swab 12 3 min. Add H2 O2 dropwise to maintain action.
(b) Electrolytic, 4 V, 35 s.
23 5 mL HCl Electrolytic at 6 V for 1020 s.
95 mL ethanol (95 %) or methanol (95 %)
24 5 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse few seconds.
200 mL HCl
65 g FeCl3
25 10 g CuSO4 Immerse or swab 560 s. Made more active by adding few drops of H2 SO4 just before
50 mL HCl use.
50 mL water
26 5 g FeCl3 Swab 1660 s. Activity may be decreased by substituting glycerol for water.
10 mL HCl
50 mL glycerol
30 mL water
27 1 g KOH Dissolve KOH in water, then slowly add NH4 OH to solution. Add 3 % H2 O2 last. Use
20 mL H2 O2 (3 %) freshimmerse few seconds to a minute.
50 mL NH4 OH
30 mL water
28 1 g FeNO3 Swab or immerse few seconds to a minute.

100 mL water
29 1 g K2 Cr2 O7 Use a certified and tested hood. Add 2 drops of HCl just before using. Swab few seconds
4 mL H2 SO4 to a minute.
50 mL water
30 25 mL NH4 OH Mix NH4 OH and water before adding H2 O2. Must be used fresh. Swab 545 s.
25 mL water
50 mL H2 O2 (3 %)
31 10 g ammonium persulfate (a) Swab or immerse to 5 s.

100 mL water (b) Immerse to 2 min to darken matrix to reveal carbides and phosphides.
(c) Electrolytic at 6 V for few seconds to a minute.
(d) Immerse 360 s. Can be heated to increase activity.
32 60 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Saturated solution.

100 mL water Immerse or swab 530 s.
33 10 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Add HCl just before use. Immerse 330 s. Phases can be
colored by Nos. 35, 36, 37.
24 drops HCl
100 mL water
34 5 g FeCl3 (a) Immerse or swab few seconds to few minutes. Small additions of HNO3 activate solu-
50 mL HCl tion and minimize pitting.
100 mL water
(b) Immerse or swab few seconds at a time. Repeat as necessary.
35 20 g FeCl3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse or swab few seconds at a time until desired re-
5 mL HCl sults are obtained.
1 g CrO3
100 mL water
36 25 g FeCl3 Immerse or swab few seconds at a time until desired results are obtained.
25 mL HCl
100 mL water
10
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
37 1 g FeCl3 Immerse or swab few seconds at a time until desired results are obtained
10 mL HCl
100 mL water
38 8 g FeCl3 Swab 530 s.

25 mL HCl
100 mL water
39 5 g FeCl3 Immerse or swab few seconds at a time until desired results are obtained.
10 mL HCl
1 g CuCl2
0.1 g SnCl2
100 mL water
40 5 g FeCl3 Immerse or swab few seconds to few minutes.

16 mL HCl
41 2 g K2 Cr2 O7 Use a certified and tested hood. Add the HCl just before using. Immerse 360 s.
8 mL H2 SO4
4 drops HCl
100 mL water
42 10 g cupric ammonium chloride Add NH4 OH to solution until neutral or slightly alkaline. Immerse 560 s.
100 mL water
NH4 OH
43 20 mL NH4 OH Immerse 530 s.
1 g ammonium persulfate
60 mL water
44 50 mL NH4 OH Use fresh. Peroxide content varies directly with copper content of alloy to be etched. Im-
2050 mL H2 O2 (3 %) merse or swab to 1 min. Film on etched aluminum bronze removed by No. 82.
050 mL water
45 1 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 6 V for 36 s. Use aluminum cathode.
100 mL water
46 15 mL NH4 OH When mixing, add NaOH pellets last. For best results use before pellets have dissolved.
15 mL H2 O2 (3 %)
15 mL water
4 pellets NaOH
47 5 g NaCN or KCN Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off extremely poisonous hydrogen cyanide.
5 g (NH4)2 S2 O2 PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact.
100 mL water
48 10 g NaCN Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off extremely poisonous hydrogen cyanide.
100 mL water PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact. Electrolytic at 6 V:
(a) 5 s for sigma.
(b) 30 s for ferrite and general structure.
(c) to 5 min for carbides.
49 3 g FeSO4 Electrolytic at 810 V (0.1 A) for 515 s.

0.4 g NaOH
10 mL H2 SO4
190 mL water
50 5 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Electrolytic at 1.5 V for 20 to 60 s. Use plati-
10 mL HNO3 num wires.
85 mL water
51 2 g FeCl3 Immerse few minutes.

5 mL HCl
30 mL water
60 mL ethanol or methanol
52 1 g sodium dichromate Swab few seconds.

1 g NaCl
4 mL H2 SO4
250 mL water
53 15 mL NH4 OH Immerse 560 s.

100 mL water
11
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
54 1 g ammonium acetate Electrolytic at 0.3 A/cm2 for 530 s.

3 g sodium thiosulfate
7 mL NH4 OH
1300 mL water
55 1 mL H2 SO4 Use a certified and tested hood. Swab gently 1015 s. Rinse with methanol and blow dry.
15 mL HNO3 Helps to chemically polish. If final etch is too mild, follow with No. 98. Do not store.
10 mL acetic acid
5 mL H3 PO4
20 mL lactic acid
56 30 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Swab gently 515 s. Rinse with ethanol or methanol and
10 mL H3 PO4 blow dry. Do not store.
20 mL acetic acid
10 mL lactic acid
57 75 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 615 s. Do not store.
25 mL H2 O2 (30 %)
58 25 mL HF Swab 320 s.
25 mL HNO3
5 mL water
59 2 g AgNO3 Mix AgNO3 and water, then add HF and HNO3. Swab 12 2 min.
40 mL water
40 mL HF
20 mL HNO3
60 25 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Let stand 12 h before using. Swab 320 s.
15 mL acetic acid
15 mL HF
57 drops bromine
61 60 mL HCl Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse few seconds to a minute.
40 mL HNO3
62 15 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Vary composition of reagent and aging of reagent after
100 mL HCl mixing to suit alloy. Swab or immerse few seconds to a minute.
63 0.1 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Swab few seconds to a minute.
10 mL HNO3
100 mL HCl
64 5 mL HNO3 (a) Immerse 15 min.
25 mL HCl (b) Use hot. Will form chloride film on gold alloys if much silver is present. Ammonia will
30 mL water remove film.
65 A Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off extremely poisonous hydrogen cyanide.
10 g ammonium persulfate PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact. Mix 1 + 1 mixture of So-
100 mL water lutions A and B just before use. (A mixture of 5 drops of each will cover the surface of a 1
B in. dia. mount.) Immerse 12 2 min.
10 g KCN
100 mL water
66 30 mL HF Use a certified and tested hood. Swab 310 s or immerse to 2 min.

15 mL HNO3
30 mL HCl
67 10 mL perchloric acid Use in wash down/perchloric rated fume hood. PrecautionKeep cool when mixing and
10 mL 2-butoxyethanol use. Electrolytic at 3065 V for 1060 s.
70 mL ethanol (95 %)
10 mL water
35 mL 2-butoxyethanol use. Electrolytic at 60150 V for 530 s.
60 mL methanol (absolute)
80 mL acetic acid use. Electrolytic at 2060 V for 15 min. Do not store.
70 5 mL HF Swab for 560 s.

2 mL AgNO3 (5 %)
200 mL water
71 5 mL HF Add 510 drops of this solution on the final polishing wheel which has been charged with
95 mL water the polishing solution. The specimen is polished on this wheel until the surface turns black.
Distilled water is then slowly added to the wheel and polishing continued until the surface
is bright. At this time the specimen should be ready for examination via polarized light.
NoteUse inert substance between cloth and wheel to prevent attack of the wheel. Wear
appropriate gloves.
12
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued

45 mL HNO3
45 mL water
73 20 mL HCl Electrolytic etchuse carbon cathode and platinum wire connection to specimen.
25 g NaCl (a) 6 V ac for 1 min.
65 mL water (b) 5 V20 V ac for 12 min.
(c) 20 V ac for 12 min.
For etch-polishing, use shorter times. After etching, water rinse, alcohol rinse, and dry.
74 15 mL HNO3 Etching rate is increased, sensitivity decreased with increased percentage of HNO3.
100 mL ethanol (95 %) or methanol (95 %) (a) Immerse few seconds to a minute.
(b) Immerse 540 s in 5 % HNO3 solution. To remove stain, immerse 25 s in 10 % HCl-
methanol solution.
(c) For Inconels and Nimonics, use 5 mL HNO3 solutionelectrolytic at 510 V for 520 s.
(d) Swab or immerse several minutes.
(e) Swab 560 s. HNO3 may be increased to 30 mL in methanol only depending on alloy.
(Ethanol is unstable with over 5 % HNO3.) Do not store.
75 5 g picric acid Immerse 12 s at a time and immediately rinse with methanol. Repeat as often as neces-
8 g CuCl2 sary. (Long immersion times will result in copper deposition on surface.)
20 mL HCl
76 4 g picric acid Composition given will saturate with picric acid. Immerse few seconds to a minute or more.
100 mL ethanol (95 %) or methanol (95 %) Adding a wetting agent such as zepherin chloride will increase response.
77 10 g picric acid Composition given will saturate the solution with picric acid. Immerse few seconds to a
5 drops HCl minute or more.
78 10 g potassium metabisulfite Immerse 115 s. Better results are sometimes obtained by first etching lightly with No. 76
or 74.
100 mL water
79 40 mL HCl Swab few seconds to a minute.
5 g CuCl2
30 mL water
80 5 mL HCl Immerse or swab few seconds to 15 min. Reaction may be accelerated by adding a few
1 g picric acid drops of 3 % H2 O2. Optional (for prior austenite grain boundaries)temper specimen at
100 mL ethanol (95 %) or methanol (95 %) 600900F prior to preparation.
81 2 g picric acid Composition given will saturate the solution with picric acid.
1 g sodium tridecylbenzene sulfonate. (a) Immerse few seconds to a minute.
100 mL water (b) Immerse to 15 min with occasional swabbing for heavy grain boundary attack.
82 5 g FeCl3 Immerse 510 s.

5 drops HCl
100 mL water
83 10 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood(a) Electrolytic at 6 V for 560 s. Attacks carbides.
100 mL water (b) Electrolytic at 6 V for 35 s.
84 10 mL H2 SO4 Use a certified and tested hood. PrecautionAdd H2 SO4 slowly to water and cool, then
10 mL HNO3 add HNO3. Immerse 30 s. Swab in running water. Repeat three times and repolish lightly.
80 mL water
85 2 g picric acid Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse in boiling solution for 5 min. PrecautionDo not
25 g NaOH boil dryanhydrous picric acid is unstable and highly explosive. Alternative: Electrolytic at
100 mL water 6 V for 40 s (room temperature). Use stainless steel cathode.
86 3 g oxalic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Solution should be freshly prepared. Immerse 1525 min
4 mL H2 O2 (30 %) when specimens or parts cannot be given usual metallographic polish. Multiple etching
100 mL water may be required.
87 10 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off nitrogen dioxide gas. PrecautionMix HCl
2050 mL HCl and glycerol thoroughly before adding HNO3. Do not store. Properly discard before solution
30 mL glycerol attains a dark orange color. Immerse or swab few seconds to few minutes. Higher percent-
age of HCl minimizes pitting. A hot water rinse just prior to etching may be used to activate
the reaction. Sometimes a few passes on the final polishing wheel is also necessary to
remove a passive surface.
88 10 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off nitrogen dioxide gas. PrecautionProperly
20 mL HCl discard before solution attains a dark orange color. Immerse few seconds to a minute.
30 mL water Much stronger reaction than No. 87.
13
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
89 10 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Immerse or swab few seconds to few min-
10 mL acetic acid utes.
15 mL HCl
25 drops glycerol
90 10 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hoodImmerse 210 s. Do not store. Properly discard after
20 mL HF use. Solution decomposes on standing.
2040 mL glycerol
91 5 mL HNO3 This etchant is equivalent to a 1 + 1 mixture of No. 80 and No. 74 (5 % HNO3). Swab for
5 mL HCl 30 s or longer.
1 g picric acid
92 10 mL HCl Immerse 530 min or electrolytic at 6 V for 35 s.

93 concentrated HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 0.2 A/cm2 for few seconds.
94 2 g CuCl2 Submerged swabbing for few seconds to several minutes. Attacks ferrite more readily than
40 mL HCl austenite.
95 2 g CuCl2 Immerse or swab few seconds to few minutes.

40 mL HCl
40 mL water
96 85 g NaOH Electrolytic at 6 V for 510 s.

50 mL water
97 45 g KOH Composition of solution is approximately 10 N. Electrolytic at 2.5 V for few seconds. Stains
60 mL water sigma and chi yellow to red brown, ferrite gray to blue gray, carbides barely touched, aus-
tenite not touched.

98 10 g K3Fe(CN)6 Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off extremely poisonous hydrogen cyanide.
PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact. Use fresh.
10 g KOH or NaOH (a) Immerse or swab 1560 s. Stains carbides and sigma. (To differentiate, No. 31 electro-
lytic at 4 V will attack sigma, but not carbides. If pitting occurs, reduce voltage.)
100 mL water (b) Immerse in fresh, hot solution 220 min. Stains carbides dark, ferrite yellow, sigma
blue. Austenite turns brown on overetching.
(c) Swab 560 s. (Immersion will produce a stain etch).
Follow with water rinse, alcohol rinse, dry.
99 25 mL HCl Mix fresh. (For stock solution, mix first three items. Add potassium metabisulfite just before
3 g ammonium bifluoride use.) Immerse few seconds to a few minutes.
125 mL water
few grains potassium metabisulfite
100 10 g FeCl3 Immerse few seconds.

90 mL water
101 2 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood-Immerse 560 s. (CrO3 may be increased up to 20 g for
20 mL HCl difficult alloys. Staining and pitting increase as CrO3 increased.)
80 mL water
102 concentrated NH4 OH Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 6 V for 3060 s. Attacks carbides only.
103 20 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 1060 s.

4 mL HCl
104 5 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 10 min or longer.
45 mL HCl
50 mL water
105 5 mL H2 SO4 Use a certified and tested hood. Precautionadd H2 SO4 slowly to HCl with stirring, cool;
3 mL HNO3 then add HNO3. Properly discard when dark orange color. Swab 1030 s.
90 mL HCl
106 7 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hoodUse fresh to avoid pitting. Immerse or swab 1060 s.
25 mL HCl
14
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
107 10 mL H3 PO4 Use a certified and tested hood. PrecautionMix H3 PO4 and HNO3 thoroughly, then add
50 mL H2 SO4 H2 SO4 slowly with stirring. Use fresh, but allow to cool. Electrolytic at 6 V for few seconds.
40 mL HNO3 Brown discoloration will form at edges of specimen. To slow reaction, add water (to 100
mL) very carefully with stirring. Attacks bakelite mounts.
108 310 mL H2 SO4 Electrolytic at 6 V for 510 s. Tends to pit with longer times.
100 mL water
109 50 mL HCl Make fresh but allow to stand 30 min to avoid plating out copper. Immerse few seconds to
25 mL HNO3 a few minutes.
1 g CuCl2
150 mL water
110 10 mL HCl Immerse to several minutes until deeply etched. Follow with light repolish.
5 mL HNO3
111 5 mL H2 SO4 Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 10 V (0.2 A/cm2) for 530 s. Reveals Ti-
8 g CrO3 and Cb-rich areas at a faster rate than grain boundaries.
85 mL H3 PO4
112 60 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 815 s.
30 mL H2 O2 (30 %)
113 15 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Use fresh solution at 80C (176F).
15 mL HNO3
60 mL glycerol
114 15 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Use fresh solution at 4042C (104108F). Immerse
20 mL HNO3 430 min depending on depth of worked metal layer. Clean with cotton in running water.
80 mL water Do not store.
115 100 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 1030 min depending on depth of worked metal
10 mL H2 O2 (30 %) layer. Clean in HNO3 if necessary.
116 510 g AgNO3 90 mL water Swab.
117 10 mL HCl (a) Immerse for 12 5 min. Follow with electrolytic etch at low current density in same so-
90 mL water lution. If specimen has considerable surface flow, immerse in concentrated HCl for a few
seconds, then follow above procedure.
(b) Immerse for 12 2 min.
118 1 mL HNO3 Swab 35 s for F and T6, 12 min for T4 and O temper.
75 mL diethylene glycol
25 mL water
119 1 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Swab 13 s for F and T6, 10 s for T4 and O temper. Do
20 mL acetic acid not store.
60 mL diethylene glycol
20 mL water
120 10 mL HF Immerse with gentle agitation 330 s.
90 mL water
121 0.7 mL H3 PO4 Composition critical.
4 g picric acid (a) Immerse with gentle agitation 1030 s.
100 mL ethanol (95 %) or methanol (95 %) (b) To increase staining immerse and withdraw with a meniscus layer. Lightly apply
etchant over surface until dark stain develops.
122 2 g oxalic acid Swab.

100 mL water
123 60 mL H3 PO4 Electrolytic: Use stainless steel cathode. Space electrodes 2 cm apart. Start at 3 V dc. Af-
100 mL ethanol (95 %) ter 30 s maintain at 112 V.
124 5 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse with gentle agitation 1060 s.
10 mL water
6 g picric acid
6 g picric acid
15 mL water
6 g picric acid
15
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
20 mL water
3 g picric acid
128 8 mL HF Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse with gentle agitation 515 s.
5 mL HNO3
200 mL water
129 10 mL HF Swab 1020 s. Vary HF to increase or decrease activity.

30 mL HNO3
60 mL lactic acid
130 25 mL HCl CautionKeep below 24C (75F). Electrolytic at 30 V for 30 s.

75 mL methanol
131 5 mL H2 SO4 Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 5060 V for 1020 s.
1 mL HF
132 5 mL HF Use fresh.

10 mL HNO3 (a) Swab with heavy pressure for 510 s. Water rinse, alcohol rinse, dry, then etch with
50 mL lactic acid No. 98c.
(b) Swab for 530 s.
133 50 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Mix fresh. Immerse or swab 5 to 30 s. Will
50 mL acetic acid chemically polish with longer times. Sulfidized grain boundaries etched before normal grain
boundaries. Do not store.
134 70 mL H3 PO4 Electrolytic 510 V for 560 s. (Polishes at high currents.)

30 mL water
135 80 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Warm specimen in boiling water prior to immersion for 10
3 mL HF to 120 s.
136 20 mL H3 PO4 Electrolytic at 1020 V for 1015 s.

80 mL water
137 10 g NaNO3 Electrolytic, 0.2 A/cm2, 1 min.

100 mL water
138 5 g FeCl3 Swab 1060 s.

2 mL HCl
139 5 g KCN Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off extremely poisonous hydrogen cyanide.
100 mL water PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact. Immerse 10100 s.
0.5 mL H2 O2 (3 %)
140 50 mL acetic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Decomposes with possible explosion on
50 mL HNO3 standing. Immerse 1030 s.
50 mL acetone
141 3 g NH4 Cl Use a certified and tested hood-Swab 530 s. Do not store.
3 g CrO3
10 mL HNO3
90 mL water
142 5 mL HF Electrolytic at 23 V for 210 s.
10 mL glycerol
85 mL water
144 A Electrolytic in Solution A: specimen is cathode, 10 V, 510 s. Then electrolytic in Solution
10 g sodium thiosulfate B: specimen is anode, 10 V, 510 s.
100 mL water
B
10 mL HCl
90 mL water
145 2 mL H2 SO4 Electrolytic at 310 V for 515 s. Use platinum wires. H2 SO4 may be increased to 20 mL
100 mL water for deeper attack.
146 10 mL HF Immerse 30 s3 min.

100 mL HNO3
147 20 mL HNO3 Immerse 530 s.

80 mL HCl
16
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued

100 mL water
149 50 mL HCl Immerse 1030 s. Do not store.

2 mL H2 O2 (30 %)
50 mL water
150 60 mL HCl Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Swab few seconds to a minute. Properly
20 mL HNO3 discard when solution turns dark yellow.
40 mL glycerol
151 10 mL HF Swab 530 s.

25 mL HNO3
150 mL water
152 85 mL NH4 OH Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 515 s. Do not storeDecomposes.
15 mL H2 O2 (30 %)
153 10 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store. Add HNO3 last. Properly discard when dark
50 mL HCl yellow. Immerse 1060 s. Preheating specimen in boiling water hastens reaction.
60 mL glycerol
154 50 mL HCl Immerse 10100 s.

155 3 mL selenic acid Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 115 min. (Up to 30 mL of HCl may be used for
10 mL HCl more vigorous action.) Stable for 390 days, depending on HCl concentrations. Use appro-
100 mL ethanol (95 %) or methanol (95 %) priate gloves.
156 1 g thiourea Electrolytic, 0.0050.01 A/cm 2, 12 min.

1 mL H3 PO4
1000 mL water
157 25 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse 520 s.

150 mL HCl
50 mL water
158 10 mL HF Swab 515 s. Do not store Properly discard after use. Solution decomposes on standing.
10 mL HNO3
20 mL glycerol
159 5 mL HF Use a certified and tested hood. Swab 1030 s. Do not store.
20 mL HNO3
50 mL acetic acid
160 20 mL HF Immerse to 5 min.

15 mL H2 SO4
5 mL HNO3
50 mL water

5 mL HF
162 A Swab 13 min in Solution A (acts as etch polish). To etch, swab with Solution B for 5 s.
Repeat if necessary. The HF may be varied to give more or less etching. Do not store.
50 mL lactic acid
30 mL HNO3
2 mL HF
B
30 mL lactic acid
10 mL HNO3
10 mL HF
163 30 mL H2 SO4 Immerse 560 s. Use this solution for alternate etch and polishing.
30 mL HF
35 drops H2 O2 (30 %)
30 mL water
164 50 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Swab 310 s.
30 g ammonium bifluoride
20 mL water
165 10 mL HCl (a) Electrolytic at 10 V for 30 s. Use carbon cathode and platinum wire connection to
90 mL ethanol specimen. For etch-polishing, use shorter time.
(b) Electrolytic at 6 V for 10 s. Use stainless steel cathode and platinum or Nichrome wire
contact to specimen.
17
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
20 g ammonium persulfate PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact. Mix 1 + 1 ratio of Solu-
90 mL water tion A and B just before use. (A mixture of 5 drops of each will cover the surface of a 1 in.
B dia mount.) Immerse to several minutes.
20 g KCN
90 mL water
167 5 g NaCN Use a certified and tested hoodCan give off extremely poisonous hydrogen cyanide.
100 mL water PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact. Electrolytic at 15 V ac
for 12 min. Use platinum cathode.
168 20 mL HCl Composition given will saturate the solution with NaCl. Electrolytic at 112 V ac for 1 min.
35 g NaCl
80 mL water
169 5 mL HNO3 Electrolytic at 0.05 A/cm2 for 2 min. Use stainless steel cathode.
50 mL ethylene glycol
170 1 mL HF (a) Swab 530 s. Follow with water rinse, alcohol rinse, dry.
30 mL HNO3 (b) Swab for 10 s intervals. Increase HF to exaggerate grain boundaries.
30 mL lactic acid
171 concentrated HCl Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 5 V ac for 12 min. For etch-polishing, use
shorter times. Follow with water rinse, alcohol rinse, and dry.
5 g ammonium persulfate PrecautionAlso poisonous by ingestion as well as skin contact. Prepare 1 + 1 mixture of
100 mL water Solutions A and B just before use. (A mixture of 5 drops of each will cover the surface of a
B 1 in. dia mount.) Immerse 12 min.
5 g KCN
100 mL water
173 50 mL NH4 OH Immerse few seconds to a minute.

1030 mL H2 O2 (50 %)
174 A Use a certified and tested hood. Prepare 1 + 1 mixture of Solutions A and B. Apply with
camels hair brush. Nonadherent film of silver chromate should form. If film adheres, add
more of Solution A, if none forms, add Solution B.
25 mL HNO3
1 g K2 Cr2 O7
1000 mL water
B
40 g CrO3
3 g Na2 SO4
200 mL water
175 1 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse to 1 min.

1 mL H2 SO4
1000 mL water
176 2 g FeCl3 Immerse 530 s.

100 mL water
177 10 g NaOH Swab or immerse 515 s.

100 mL water
178 20 mL HF Swab for 520 s. Do not store.

20 mL HNO3
60 mL lactic acid
179 A Use a certified and tested hoodMix Solution B very slowly. Solution A is used as a
chemical polish, though some etching will occur. Swab 2 or more minutes for desired sur-
face. If surface is insufficiently etched use Solution B electrolytically at 12 1 A/in.2 of
specimen. Use carbon cathode and platinum wire connection to specimen. Properly dis-
card Solution B after 1 hr. Do not store.
10 mL HF
10 mL HNO3
30 mL lactic acid
B
10 mL HF
90 mL H2 SO4
18
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
180 10 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse for 12 10 min at 38 to 42C (100108F). Do
30 mL acetic acid not store Properly discard after use. Solution composes on standing.
50 mL glycerol
181 2 mL HCl Swab for 13 min.
182 10 mL HNO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse for 12 10 min at 38 to 42C (100108F). Do
10 mL acetic acid not store. Properly discard after use. Solution decomposes on standing.
80 mL glycerol
183 2 drops HF Immerse for 1 min. Do not store. Properly discard after use. Solution decomposes on
1 drop HNO3 standing.
25 mL glycerol
184 10 g FeCl3 Immerse for 12 5 min.

2 mL HCl
100 mL water
185 10 mL HF Swab for few seconds.

10 mL HNO3
186 10 mL HF Swab 320 s.

5 mL HNO3
85 mL water
187 10 mL HF Swab 320 s.

30 mL HNO3
50 mL water
188 1 mL HF Use a certified and tested hood. Swab until stain is removed.
2 mL HNO3
50 mL H2 O2 (30 %)
50 mL water
189 10 mL HF Swab 320 s. Do not store Properly discard after use. Solution decomposes on standing.
25 mL HNO3
45 mL glycerol
20 mL water
190 8 g KOH Swab 320 s.

10 mL H2 O2 (30 %)
60 mL water
191 25 mL HF Swab 320 s.

18 g benzalkonium chloride
40 mL glycerol
192 13 mL HF Swab 310 s or immerse 1030 s. (HF attacks and HNO3 brightens the surface of tita-
26 mL HNO3 nium. Make concentration changes on this basis.)
100 mL water
193 2 drops HF Swab 320 s. Do not store Properly discard after use. Solution decomposes on standing.
1 drop HNO3
3 mL HCl
25 mL glycerol
194 20 mL HF Immerse 530 s.Do not store Properly discard after use. Solution decomposes on stand-
20 mL HNO3 ing.
60 mL glycerol
195 30 mL H3 PO4 Electrolytic at 1820 V (0.03 A/cm2) for 515 min.

30 mL ethylene glycol
196 18 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Dissolve CrO3 in hot water and cool before adding acetic
75 mL acetic acid acid. Keep solution below 2C (35F) during use. Electrolytic at 80 V for 530 min. Do not
20 mL water store.
197 5 g oxalic acid Electrolytic at 6 V for 520 s.

100 mL water
19
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
198 30 mL HF Swab for 60 s. Do not store. Properly discard after use. Solution decomposes on standing.
30 mL HNO3
30 mL glycerol

5 g AgNO3
100 mL water
200 A Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse in Solution A with gentle agitation for several
seconds. Rinse in Solution B.
40 g CrO3
3 g Na2 SO4
200 mL water
B
40 g CrO3
200 mL water
201 A Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse in Solution A with gentle agitation for several
seconds. Rinse in Solution B.
40 g CrO3
1.5 g Na2 SO4
200 mL water
B
40 g CrO3
200 mL water
202 A Use a certified and tested hood. Immerse in Solution A for 25 s. Rinse in Solution B.
10 g CrO3
1 g Na2 SO4
200 mL water
B
40 g CrO3
200 mL water
203 20 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Electrolytic at 0.2 A/cm2 for 5 s.
100 mL water
204 10 mL perchloric acid Use in a wash down/prechloric rated fume hood. PrecautionKeep cool when mixing and
10 mL glycerol use. Electrolytic at 1550 V for 1560 s.
10 mL water
205 5 mL HF Swab vigorously for 1060 s. Wet cotton frequently.

2 mL AgNO3 (5 %)
100 mL water
206 5 mL HF PrecautionProperly discard after use. Solution decomposes on standing. Electrolytic at

10 mL HNO3 912 V for 110 min.
100 mL glycerol
207 30 mL HNO3 Swab for 530 s. Do not store.

30 mL acetic acid
30 mL water
208 1 mL NH4 OH Immerse or swab few seconds to a minute.

3 g ammonium persulfate
100 mL water

3 mL HF
80 mL water
210 50 mL water (cold) saturated with sodium First ingredient in stock solution. Add potassium metabisulfite before use. Solution good for
thiosulfate several days, or longer. Immerse face up, gently agitate until coloration begins, allow to
1 g potassium metabisulfite settle. Stop etch when surface is red-violet. Etch time varies with material. Colors matrix
phases.
211 3 g potassium metabisulfite Use fresh solution. Immerse specimen face up, gently agitate solution until coloration
10 g sodium thiosulfate begins, allow to settle. Stop etch when surface is red-violet. Etch time varies with material.
100 mL water Colors matrix phases.
20
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 2 Continued
212 1050 % HCl in water For more corrosion resistant alloys. Increase the HCl and potassium metabisulfite con-
0.51.0 g potassium metabisulfite per 100 tents. Use optional ingredients to improve coloration, if needed. Colors matrix phases. Use
mL of aqueous HCl solution by immersion only.
Optional: 1 g CuCl2
13 g FeCl3
210 g ammonium bifluoride
213 210 mL HCl For more corrosion resistant alloys, increase the HCl and selenic acid content. For highly
0.53 mL selenic acid corrosion-resistant alloys, use 2030 mL HCl. Colors second phase constituents. Use by
100 mL ethyl alcohol (95 %) immersion only.
214 1 g sodium molybdate Add nitric acid to lower the pH to 2.53. Add 0.10.5 g ammonium bifluoride for carbon
100 mL water steels. Use by immersion only. Colors carbides. Immerse about 15 s.
215 240 g sodium thiosulfate Mix in order given. Store in a dark bottle at least 24 h before use at 20C. Lightly pre-etch
30 g citric acid specimen before use. Use small portion of stock solution for 4 h max. Pre-etch steel speci-
24 g lead acetate mens with nital before tinting the MnS (add 0.2 g sodium nitrite to 100 mL of etch) white.
1000 mL water Colors phosphides in cast iron. Colors matrix of Cu alloys.
216 815 g sodium metabisulfite Do not store. Mix fresh. Immerse specimen face up. Agitate solution gently until coloration
100 mL water begins, allow to settle. Stop when surface is dark. Use crossed polarized light and sensi-
tive tint to improve coloration.
217 5 g ammonium bifluoride Mix fresh, use plastic coated tongs and polyethylene beaker. Immerse until surface is col-
100 mL water ored.
218 3 g ammonium bifluoride Mix fresh, use plastic coated tongs and polyethylene beaker. Immerse until surface is col-
4 mL HCl ored. Works best with attack-polished specimens.
100 mL water
219 60 mL HNO3 Electrolytic etch, does not reveal twins in stainless steel. Excellent grain boundary etch
40 mL water for ferritic stainless steels. Use at 1 V dc, 120 s, with stainless cathode; 0.6 V dc with plati-
num cathode.
220 20 g NaOH Electrolytic etch, colors -ferrite in stainless steels. Use at 220 V dc, 520 s, stainless
100 mL water steel cathode. If is not colored, increase NaOH to 40 g.
221 50 mL water Use by immersion. Will not attack sulfides in stainless steels.
50 mL ethyl alcohol
50 mL methyl alcohol
50 mL HCl
1 g CuCl2
2.5 g FeCl3
2.5 mL HNO3
222 8 g Na2 SO4 (a) Few seconds to 1 minute.

100 mL water (b) Pre-etch 2 s in No. 74, rinse, and etch 20 s.
223 A Mix equal volumes of Solutions A and B just before use. Etch 23 s; 3 s pre-etch in No. 74
8 g oxalic acid may be needed.
5 mL H2 SO4
100 mL water
B
H2 O2 (30 %)
224 10 mL H2 O2 (30 %) Immerse 10 s at 20C (68F).

20 mL 10 % aqueous NaOH
225 4 g NaOH Immerse 10 s at 20C (68F).

100 mL saturated aqueous KMnO4
226 15 mL HCl Use a certified and tested hood.Can give off nitrogen dioxide gas. PrecautionMix
10 mL acetic acid HCl and glycerol thoroughly before adding HNO3. Do not store. Properly discard before
5 mL HNO3 solution attains a dark orange color. Use fresh or age up to 1 min. Immerse or swab few
2 drops glycerol seconds to few minutes. Can increase HNO3 to increase strength. Sometimes a few
passes on the final polishing wheel is also necessary to remove a passive surface.
Editorially corrected in May 2011.
21
E407 07 (2015)1
TABLE 3 Etchant Names
Common Name No. Common Name No.
Acetic glyceregia 89, 226 Groesbecks 19
Alkaline Sodium Picrate 85 Hatch 2
Aqua regia 12 Howarths 84
Barkers 5 Kallings 1 95
Berahas 99, 155, 211215 Kallings 2 94
Carapella 138 Kellers 3
Chrome regia 101 Klemms 210
Contrast 141 Krolls 192, 187
CP 4 60 Marbles 25
El-1R 107 Marshalls 223
Flat 133 Murakamis 98
Flouregia 90, 158 Nital 74
Franks 104 Palmerton 200
Frys 79 Phoschromic 111
G 107 Picral 76
Glyceregia 87 Ralphs 221
Gorsuch 75 Super Picral 77
Grards No. 1 35 Vilellas 80
Green contrast 94 92-5-3 105
REFERENCES
(1) Lewis, R.J., Saxs Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 11th house Research Lab, Pittsburgh, PA, Scientific Paper 65-1P30-
ed. John Wiley and Sons., Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2004. METLL-P2, 1965 .
(2) Prudent Practices for Handling Hazardous Chemicals in (10) Urben, P. and Bretherick, L., Brethericks Handbook of Reactive
Laboratories, National Resource Council, National Academy Press, Chemical Hazards, 6th ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, , 1999.
Washington, DC, 1995. (11) NFPA Haz-Mat Quick Guide, 1997.
(3) Furr, A.K., CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety, 5th ed. CRC Press, (12) Woldmans Engineering Alloys, 9th ed., J. P. Frick, ed., ASM
Boca Raton, Florida, 2000. International, Metals Park, Ohio, 2000.
(4) .Wesenberg, G., Proctor, N., Proctor and Hughes Chemical Hazards (13) Vander Voort, G. F., Metallography: Principles and Practice, ASM
in the Workplace, 5th edition, edited by Gloria J. Hathaway and Nick International, Materials Park, Ohio, 1999.
H, ProctorWiley-Interscience, Hoboken, New Jersey, 2004.
(14) Beraha, E., and Shpigler, B., Color Metallography, ASM, Metals
(5) OSHA Lab Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450, Occupational Expo-
Park, OH, 1977.
sures to Hazardous Chemicals in the Laboratory.
(15) Vander Voort, G. F., Tint Etching, Metal Progress, Vol 127, March
(6) Prudent practices in the laboratory : handling and disposal of
chemicals, Committee on Prudent Practices for Handling, Storage, 1985, pp. 3133, 3638, 41.
and Disposal of Chemicals in Laboratories, Board on Chemical (16) Weck, E., and Leistner, E., Metallographic Instructions for Colour
Sciences and Technology, Commission on Physical Sciences, Etching by Immersion, Parts I, II and II, Deutscher Verlag, Fr
Mathematics, and Applications, National Research Schweisstechnik GmbH, Dsseldorf, West Germany, 1982, 1983,
Council.Washington, D.C. : National Academy Press, 1995 . and 1986.
(7) Lefevre, M. J., and Conibear, S., First Aid Manual for Chemical (17) Bhler, H. E., and Hougardy, H. P., Atlas of Interference Layer
Accidents, 2nd ed., Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., Inc., New York, 1989. Metallography , Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Metallkunde, Oberursel
(8) Lewis, R. J., Rapid Guide to Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace, 1, West Germany, 1980.
4th ed.,John Wiley and Sons., Inc., New York, 2000. (18) Metals Handbook, Metallography and Microstructures, 10th ed., Vol
(9) Anderson, R. L., Safety in the Metallography Laboratory, Westing- 9, ASM International, Metals Park, Ohio, 2004.
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if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
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This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
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What is the purpose of this standard practice?

What is the purpose of this standard practice?

What information is provided in Table 1?

What information is provided in Table 1?

Designation: E407 07 (Reapproved 2015)1

Standard Practice for

1. Scope 3.2.2 vapor-deposition interference layer method a tech-

1000 series 1a, 3, 2 general structure

2000 series 3, 2, 1a general structure

3000 series 3, 1a general structure

4000 series 3, 1a general structure

5000 series 3, 1a, 2, 6, 8a general structure

6000 series 3, 1a, 2, 6, 8a, 222 general structure

7000 series 3, 1a, 2 general structure

Chromium Base: 12, 13c general structure

Columbium Base (see niobium base)

Admiralty metal 8b general structure

Dysprosium Base: 55, 56 general structure

Erbium Base: 55, 56 general structure

<90 % noble metals 65 general structure

Hafnium base: 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 general structure

Holmium Base: 55, 56 general structure

Fe + C 76, 74a, 77, 78, 79 general structure

Tool steels 74a, 80, 14 general structure

Pb + <2 Sb 114, 115, 57, 74b general structure

Mg-Mn 119, 74a, 124, 122 general structure

Molybdenum Base: 98c, 129, 130, 131 general structure

Ni-Ag 38, 138, 50, 139 general structure

Osmium Base: 165a general structure

>90 % noble metals 61 general structure

Plutonium Base: 169 general structure

Pure W 98c, 131 general structure

1 1 mL HF (a) Swab with cotton for 15 s.

6 25 mL HNO3 Immerse 40 s at 70C (160F). Rinse in cold water.

7 1020 mL H2 SO4 Immerse 30 s at 70C (160F). Rinse in cold water.

8 10 mL H3 PO4 (a) Immerse 13 min at 50C (120F).

11 2 mL HF Immerse or swab few seconds to a minute.

13 10 g oxalic acid Electrolytic at 6 V:

14 10 mL HNO3 Immerse few seconds to a minute.

16 510 mL HCl Electrolytic at 3 V for 210 s.

17 5 mL HCl Electrolytic at 6 V for few seconds.

19 A Immerse in freshly mixed Solutions A + B (1:1) for 510 s. If surface activation is

22 100 mL HCl Use a certified and tested hood. Do not store.

28 1 g FeNO3 Swab or immerse few seconds to a minute.

31 10 g ammonium persulfate (a) Swab or immerse to 5 s.

32 60 g CrO3 Use a certified and tested hood. Saturated solution.

38 8 g FeCl3 Swab 530 s.

40 5 g FeCl3 Immerse or swab few seconds to few minutes.

49 3 g FeSO4 Electrolytic at 810 V (0.1 A) for 515 s.

51 2 g FeCl3 Immerse few minutes.

52 1 g sodium dichromate Swab few seconds.

53 15 mL NH4 OH Immerse 560 s.

54 1 g ammonium acetate Electrolytic at 0.3 A/cm2 for 530 s.

66 30 mL HF Use a certified and tested hood. Swab 310 s or immerse to 2 min.

70 5 mL HF Swab for 560 s.

72 10 mL HF Swab for 520 s.

82 5 g FeCl3 Immerse 510 s.

92 10 mL HCl Immerse 530 min or electrolytic at 6 V for 35 s.

95 2 g CuCl2 Immerse or swab few seconds to few minutes.