Test medium and method for detecting phosphorus segregates in metallic material

摘要

An aqueous electrolytic solution of a molybdate ion and an oxidizing agent is effective to detect phosphorus segregates in a metallic material, particularly cast steel through electrolysis. Segregated phosphorus can be detected by (a) applying a test sheet against a surface area of the metallic material to be examined for segregation, (b) introducing an aqueous electrolytic solution comprising 0.1 to 20% by weight of a molybdate ion and an oxidizing agent between the metallic material surface area and the sheet, (c) contacting a cathode plate with the sheet, (d) effecting electrolysis with the metallic material made anode, (e) removing the sheet from the metallic material surface, and (f) treating the sheet with a reducing agent.