Examination of chemical reaction for revealing plastic deformation zone in low carbon steel

In order to expose a clear plastic deformation zone in a low carbon steel, an etching technique was carried out on the plastically deformed material under various conditions. In this study, the etchant solution, etching time and a polishing process were employed as control factors in the design of the etching technique. The deformation zone was revealed on the etched surface with different degrees of clarity depending on the etching conditions, and a suitable etching system for showing up the clear plastic zone was found. Moreover, a polishing process after the etching could make the plastic zone clearer. Details of the etching mechanism for exposing the plastic deformation zone are discussed on the basis of electrode potential considerations.