EN ISO 13383-2:2016 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 13383-2:2016 (ISO 13383-2:2012) defines a manual stereological method for microstructural characterization of fine ceramics (advanced/technical ceramics). The standard specifies how to determine the phase volume fraction by evaluating micrographs of polished and etched sections. The technique uses a transparent square grid overlaid on micrographs and counts grid-line intersections that lie on each identifiable phase to estimate area (and thus volume) fractions.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and assumptions
  • Applies to ceramics with distinct secondary phases (examples: Al2O3/ZrO2, Si/SiC, Al2O3/SiCw).
  • Assumes area fractions on random cross-sections represent true phase volume fractions (stereological principle).
• Sample preparation
  • Sectioning, mounting, grinding and polishing of test pieces; etching to reveal phases.
  • Care to avoid grain pluck‑out that could be confused with pores.
• Imaging and measurement
  • Use of optical microscopy or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with photomicrography.
  • Overlay transparent square grid (line thickness ≤ 0.1 mm) and count intersections per phase (grid-intersection method).
  • Typical practice uses multiple micrographs (a minimum is indicated; more images improve statistical reliability).
• Limits and uncertainties
  • Porosity: if > ~20 % porosity, polishing damage may bias results.
  • Small phase fractions (