Investigation of non-metallic inclusions and chip properties in Cu-based alloys by numerical analysis

Abstract: Analysis of the macrostructure of metallic alloys is of utmost importance as there is a direct correlation on the physical properties and some features of the structures. This is true for copper based alloys and the non-metallic inclusions (NMI) that are enclosed in their structure. Mastering methods such as numerical analysis of the NMIs could allow us to get fast and reliable information on the structure of metal alloys such as copper based alloys, especially since very little literature on NMI in Cu based alloys is available. The report consists of experimental work and research on the relevance of using an image processing software such as ImageJ combined with SEM imaging for such analysis. The impact of SEM magnification as well as Scratches due to SEM sample preparation are the biggest concern when it comes to image processing and analysis. As well as analyzing the inclusions in brass samples, the analysis of their chips is important. If ImageJ is able to reliably analyze chip area it will be easier for companies to use refining methods on the chips since the properties are measured numerically.