sem edx analyses
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8/12/2019 SEM EDX Analyses
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A SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) can be utilized for highmagnification imaging of almost all materials. With SEM in combinationwith EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) is it also possible tofind out which elements different parts of a sample contain.
The instrument is very suitable for different kinds of investigations. It ispossible to investigate e.g. the fibre structure in wood and paper, metalfracture surfaces, production defects in rubber and plastic.
SEM/EDX analysesWhich is the minimum size?The smallest detail that can be seenat the SEM image is 4-5 nm (4-5millionths of a millimetre).
The smallest detail that can beanalysed is 2-3 m (2-3 thousandthsof a millimetre).
Identificationof glass flakesAnother way to use SEM/EDX isto make a quantitative chemicalanalysis of an unknown material.
We use that for example whenwe want to determine the originof glass fragments, found indifferent types of foodstuffs.
Wood and paperSEM is used for studying surfacesand structures of fibres, surfacecoatings and print in wood and
paper. Inorganic elements can beanalysed chemically and it ispossible to see how they aredistributed in the material.
Glass defectsGlassworks sometimes getproblems with defects in the
glass batch, like stones or cords.
Stones consist of small, unmeltedparticles, which might come frome.g. refractory material or con-taminations in raw materials.
STONE IN GLASS, ORIGIN: STOPPER.
CROSS-SECTION OF SURFACE COATINGS ON A
LOCOMOTIVE BEARING BRASS.
EDS-SPECTRUM OF BOTTLE GLASS
PRECIPITATED CHALK (PCC), USED AS COATING
MATERIAL OR FILLER IN PAPER
Biological materialWith special sample preparationone can examine biologicalmaterials by SEM. If the sampleis dry enough and durable, is it
sufficient to cover the sample witha thin metal layer of e.g. gold orcarbon. That is to prevent char-ging of electrons at the sample.
PART OF A BEETLE LEG
MetalsSEM is often used for metals,which are well suited as thesamples are electrically conduc-ting.
Examples of analysis objects:Surface coatings, segregationsand casting defects. By investi-gating fractures you can find outwhy a material has broken.
By investigating the content of the glass defect one can determinepossible contamination sources and take care of them.
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