What Does
Microscopy Mean?
Microscopy refers to the magnified visual examination of very small objects such as materials or bacteria, or physical characteristics (e.g., cracks, grain boundaries) at the molecular level that is not visible with the naked eye. The periodic examination of such materials with a microscope can aid corrosion prevention efforts.
Corrosionpedia Explains Microscopy
Microscopy is performed with an optical instrument called a microscope. Microscopes vary widely in type and function based on the light’s wavelength or sound vibrations that are used to increase visibility.
Some types of microscopy include:
- Electron
- Fluorescence
- Time lapse
The process of microscopy is vital when examining intergranular corrosion and molecular interactions between different ions and metals. Intergranular corrosion cannot be seen with the naked eye until a catastrophic material failure occurs, which is often too late for any remediation efforts to be enacted.