Challenges and possibilities of the manual metallographic serial sectioning process using the example of a quantitative microstructural analysis of graphite in cast iron

Abstract The 3D microstructure analysis presented in this study focuses on the nodular graphite of an EN-GJS grade cast iron. The shape is analyzed based on shape factor and aspect ratio as well as average particle size and distribution. The shape of graphites in cast iron materials is critical to the mechanical properties of these alloys and is essential for the characterization of the material. Metallographic serial sectioning creates a digital twin of the material, which is removed layer by layer and visualized layer by layer under an optical microscope. From this three-dimensional twin, any number of planes can be digitally projected and analyzed. Conventional quantitative 3D analysis examines the voxel count and composition of a body in 3D space. The analysis presented here applies stereological 2D analysis methods to three spatial planes of the material. Two of the planes are digital projections of the twin. The two reconstructed planes of the material are chosen so that the direction vectors of all three planes form an angle of 90° to each other. The methodology is described in detail and the challenges and opportunities of the serial section method presented here are discussed.