A method for the characterization of surface-modified asbestos fibres by electron energy-loss spectroscopy and electron spectroscopic imaging |
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Authors: | Chris Xhoffer Patrick Berghmans Ian Muir Wim Jacob Ren Van Grieken Freddy Adams |
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Affiliation: | Chris Xhoffer,Patrick Berghmans,Ian Muir,Wim Jacob,René Van Grieken,Freddy Adams |
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Abstract: | A method for the characterization of surface-treated asbestos fibres with electron microscopy is presented. Electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) of organosilane-treated chrysotile asbestos fibres has been carried out. Initially, the region below the carbon edge was inspected in ESI mode for its effectiveness as a background correction. Elemental mapping was performed on standard untreated fibres to take into account non-characteristic signals from extrapolation errors and camera artefacts. The highest resulting pixel value that results from non-characteristic signals was used as a threshold for further background correction in the net images. Samples for electron energy-loss spectroscopy were prepared in two different ways, either by gluing on grids, or by using perforated carbon foils. The results show that the use of a conducting carbon film is necessary for the analysis of such electrically insulating asbestos fibres. Focusing of the electron beam on the individual fibres results in a thermal effect promoting the evaporation of the organosilane reaction products. |
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Keywords: | Electron energy-loss spectroscopy electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) image processing conducting carbon film organosilane-treated chrysotile asbestos |
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