Rapid preparation and SEM microstructural characterization of nickel-yttria- stabilized zirconia cermets

Sample preparation and scanning electron microscopy imaging methods were developed to characterize solid-oxide fuel cell anodes made out of a nickel- yttria-stabilized zirconia porous cermet. The sample preparation uses only tripod polishing and does not require any resin impregnation. To overcome surface damages induced by polishing, as well as to increase contrast between phases, high acceleration voltages were used. The method gave results of a small systematic increase of the measured nickel proportion due to imaging conditions. A quick image analyzing method is also presented.