PREPARATION OF B4C AL COMPOSITES FOR IMAGE-ANALYSIS/

Composites made by infiltrating B4C networks with aluminum, or its all oys, are of interest for lightweight armor applications. Image analysi s plays an important part in correlating the microstructures of such c omposites with their mechanical properties. Accurate image analysis re quires a high degree of perfection in the metallographic preparation, which is particularly difficult where the phases present have such dis parate hardnesses and reactivities. Two preparation procedures have be en developed that produce adequate contrast and definition for analysi s of key microstructural features.