What is BS EN ISO 13383-1 - Microstructural characterization about?
BS EN ISO 13383-1 is part one of a multi-series of European standards on fine ceramics which covers microstructural characterization.
BS EN ISO 13383-1 describes manual methods of making measurements for the determination of grain size of fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) using photomicrographs of polished and etched test pieces. The methods described in BS EN ISO 13383-1 do not yield the true mean grain diameter, but a somewhat smaller parameter depending on the method applied to analyse a two-dimensional section.
Note: A method of determining volume fractions of secondary phases can be found in ISO 13383:2; this will provide a means of determining whether Method A1 or Method A2 should be applied in borderline cases.
Who is BS EN ISO 13383-1 - Microstructural characterization for?
BS EN ISO 13383-1 on microstructural characterization is useful for: 
- Fine ceramics manufacturers
- Biology professionals
Why should you use BS EN ISO 13383-1 - Microstructural characterization?
Microstructural characterization is usually achieved by allowing some form of probe to interact with a carefully prepared specimen. The most commonly used probes are visible light, X-ray radiation, a high-energy electron beam, or a sharp, flexible needle. These four types of probe form the basis for optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and scanning probe microscopy.
Ceramics often have grain sizes and microstructure that impact material performance. Grain boundaries and microstructure can be optimized with ceramic processing parameters for specific product requirements. BS EN ISO 13383-1 contains two principal methods, A and B. Method A is the mean linear intercept technique. Method B is the mean equivalent circle diameter method, which applies to any type of ceramic with or without a secondary phase.
Using these methods you can determine a somewhat smaller parameter to analyse a two-dimensional section. And as grain size impacts material performance, BS EN ISO 13383-1 can help you increase safety and reliability in your organization by providing two methods for its determination.
