Application of environmental scanning electron microscopy in the development of detergents and personal products
Environmental scanning electron microscopy enables the observation of samples in their natural state with no preparation. Unilever Research employs this technology in the research and development of detergents and personal products with much success. The results presented are from various studies which demonstrate the versatility and utility of the technique. Vacuum sensitive samples such as microcapsules were successfully characterized, the efficacy of dental products was shown by monitoring an enamel surface before and after treatment, and the performance of an adhesive was assessed by dynamic experimentation. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Scanning and environmental electron microscopy studies of silicone release coatings
Abstract Scanning electron microscopy ( sem ) and environmental scanning electron microscopy ( esem ) were used to charaterize silicone release coatings on a variety of paper substrates exhibiting different release values. A sectioning procedure was developed to measure coating thickness and penetration data. A 180° peel substage was constructed for the esem and used to observe and record the microdeformation occurring at the parting interface. The results of this study show that the applied coating flows to fill in depressions on rough substrates, leaving thin, easily damaged layers on the high areas after cure. Such defect sites change the mechanism of peel.
In search of optimum chest radiography techniques.
A nation-wide study of chest radiography in Sweden had previously revealed a large variation in the physical and technical factors involved, in particular the radiation dose. In this study the image quality could not be assessed unambiguously. The aim of the present study was to try to establish a correlation between visual grading of radiographs and physical and technical factors in order to find the optimum chest X-ray system. The physical and technical performance of 24 chest units was evaluated. Radiographs were taken of an anthropomorphic chest phantom supplied with test structures simulating various pathologies. Image quality was assessed by visual grading analysis of the radiographs. The physical and technical parameters of the units rated best were used to exemplify good radiographic practice. The results were in agreement with the recommendations issued by the Commission of the European Communities (CEC). It was also shown that low radiation dose is compatible with high-quality radiographic imaging of the chest.