What is ISO 13383-2 - Microstructural characterization about ?
ISO 13383-2 is part one of a multi-series of internationa standards on fine ceramics which covers microstructural characterization.
ISO 13383-2 specifies a manual method of making measurements for the determination of the volume fraction of major phases in fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) using micrographs of polished and etched sections, overlaying a square grid of lines, and counting the number of intersections lying over each phase.
Some users of ISO 13383-2 may wish to apply automatic or semiautomatic image analysis to micrographs or directly captured microstructural images. This is currently outside the scope of this part, but some guidelines are given in Annex A.
Note: This method assumes that the true phase volume fractions are equivalent to area fractions on a randomly cut cross-section according to stereological principles.
Who is ISO 13383-2 - Microstructural characterization for ?
ISO 13383-2 on microstructural characterization is useful for: 
- Fine ceramics manufacturers
- Biology professionals
Why should you use ISO 13383-2 - 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.
There are different phases in fine ceramics and for these phases measurement of volume fraction is important, ISO 13383-2 can help you here by providing manual methods for its determination using micrographs of polished and etched sections, overlaying a square grid of lines, and counting the number of intersections lying over each phase.
