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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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