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Imaging Heterophase Molecular Materials in the Environmental SEM

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 February 2011

B.L. Thiel ,
A.M. Donald ,
D.J. Stokes ,
I.C. Bache  and
N. Stelmashenko
B.L. Thiel
Affiliation:
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
A.M. Donald
Affiliation:
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
D.J. Stokes
Affiliation:
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
I.C. Bache
Affiliation:
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
N. Stelmashenko
Affiliation:
Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Abstract

The Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope allows imaging of hydrated specimens, as well as fluid-containing or even fully fluid microstructures. This is possible so long as all of the phases can be thermodynamically stabilized. Experimental operating parameters include specimen temperature and chamber gas chemistry and pressure. However, it is also possible to alter the thermodynamic properties of phases by various chemical and physical means. These approaches have been used in ESEM studies on soft condensed matter such as emulsions, complex fluids and gels. By deliberately moving away from stabilizing conditions, it is also possible to perform dynamic experiments. A number of applications are illustrated.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 589 , 1999 , 211
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2001

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