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| Mystery metal... how to identify without damaging the sample? |
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| raynerd:
--- Quote from: Yorkshireman on September 22, 2010, 04:29:16 PM ---Now produce somehow a small (almost) colourless gas flame in a dark room. Then touch the edge of the Q-Tip to the flame. If the colour of the flame changes to GREEN, then the material is containing COPPER. --- End quote --- Rubbing alcohol would give you a clean (colourless) flame. I teach flame tests for GCSE Chemistry - finally a true to life practical example!! Li - red, K - lilac, Na - orange, Cu - green Good luck and I think u should give it a go for the sheer hell of it - I`ll even send you some nichrome wire for the occasion! :nrocks: :loco: |
| AdeV:
Well, I gave it a try with what I had to hand... I have a butane/propane blowtorch which burns with a decent blue flame, not unlike a bunsen burner really. So, first try was a dry cotton bud (slight yellowing of flame); then a bud wetted in vinegar (no change to flame), then wetted in vinegar & rubbed on the metal piece (no change to flame). As that was a bit dissapointing, I tried a vinegared bud rubbed on some copper pipe. No change to the flame :( Maybe the vinegar isn't strong enough.... it is Tescos 13p/pint special stuff after all... |
| RichardShute:
If it actually _really_ matters, find a local university physics, chemistry or engineering department with a 'Link Analytical' attachment on their electron microscope. They should be able to give you chapter and verse on the composition down to fractions of a percent in minutes. Won't be able to define heat treatment obviously and if it has been plated, it's the plating that will be analysed. Richard |
| bilhar:
looks mild steel chemiblacked. cast iron has a reddish tinge to it while heat treatable steel are more difficult high to bring to high gloss shine so my guess is mild steel chemblacked |
| DavidA:
First test for SG iron is to breath on it then sniff it. If it is SG then it will smell distinctly of acetylene. Dave. |
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