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.
Bibliography of environmental scanning electron microscopy
Two updated lists of publications on environmental scanning electron microscopy are compiled. One list contains mainly those papers dealing with the development and instrumentation, while the other deals mainly with the applications of the technique. A brief introductory summary of the field is presented. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A wet stage modification to a scanning electron microscope
A modification to the vacuum system of a JSM2 scanning electron microscope has enabled hydrated specimens to be placed inside the specimen chamber of the instrument and to be surrounded by water vapour at a pressure up to approximately 1.3 kPa (10 Torr). The surface topography was observed by detecting the backscattered electrons using a wide angle backscattered electron detector placed close to the specimen. The microscope was operated in the normal scanning mode which allowed the examination of the surface topography of the specimens, whilst still retaining the depth of focus which is a feature of the SEM.