Optical Microscope (Zeiss Imager M1m) and Microhardness Tester (Anton Paar MHT-10)

The optical microscope is used to analyze the internal structure of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and coatings. It allows the examination of both bulk materials and powder samples (for particle size observation).

Before analysis, samples are ground, polished, and etched with acid to reveal their internal structure. The microscope is used to measure particle sizes of different phases, powder particle dimensions, and coating cross-sectional thicknesses.

Optical microscope magnifications:

50x, 100x, 200x, 400x, 500x, and 1000x.

The microscope provides polarized imaging, allowing grains to be displayed in different colors for enhanced analysis. Additionally, it is equipped with a Vickers microhardness tester, capable of applying loads ranging from 0.5 gf to 400 gf. This enables precise hardness measurements of coatings at the micron level.