H. Zakerinia - Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan ۸۴۱۵۶-۸۳۱۱۱, Iran
A. Kermanpur - Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan ۸۴۱۵۶-۸۳۱۱۱, Iran
A. Najafizadeh - Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan ۸۴۱۵۶-۸۳۱۱۱, Iran

Color metallography is a useful method for characterizing microstructures of steels with multiple phases. In this paper, application of three different color etching techniques for a bainitic-martensitic steel is reported. Comparisons between the results showed that ۱۰% Na۲S۲O۵ aqueous solution was the best etchant for distinguishing martensite, bainite and ferrite phases. The obtained micrographs were clear and sharp. Nanoindentation test was also carried out in order to approve the results of color metallography.

Color metallography, Multiphase steel, Microstructure