Electrolytic Polishing and Etching Techniques for Preparing Specimens of Bismuth and Antimony and Their Alloys: Materials and Structures

摘要

Electrolytic polishing and etching techniques for revealing microstructural details of bismuth and antimony and their alloys have been evolved. Electrolytic polishing was performed in a solution of methyl alcohol, sulphuric acid, hydrocloric acid and ethylene glycol. Etching was done electrolytically in a 5 percent chromic acid solution. Use of these techniques has permitted detailed studies of the microstructures of bismuth-antimony single crystals produced by various crystal growing procedures, i.e., pulling, Bridgeman-Stockbarger, and zone leveling. (Author)