Improved method for the preparation of TiN-coated WC-Co-based samples for cross-sectional AEM investigation.

An improved method for the preparation of cross-sectional thin foils of coated WC-Co samples for studies by analytical electron microscopy is described. A braze alloy is used to join the sections of the sample together and the resulting sample is stable during subsequent grinding, dimpling, and milling operations. Cross-sectional micrographs provide examples of the efficacy of this method. No microstructural alteration associated with the brazing operation was observed.