Complementary TEM characterization of a squeeze-cast metal-matrix composite by dissolution of the sample in butanol

Transmission electron microscopy observations of ion-beam thinned samples and samples extracted using a butanol dissolution technique gave information regarding the interface microstructure which could not be obtained from the ion-beam thinned samples, and that therefore both these sample preparation routes should be considered when observing aluminium metal-matrix composites in the transmission electron microscope.