PM-05Visualizations of Phase-separated Structures of Polymer Materials Using Differential Phase Contrast Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy without Electron Staining

Microscopy ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. i20-i20
Author(s):  
Shin Inamoto ◽  
Akiyo Yoshida ◽  
Tsukasa Koyama ◽  
Yuji Otsuka
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Polymer Materials ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Transmission ◽  
Differential Phase Contrast

Electrostatic potential imaging of phase-separated structures in organic materials via differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy

Microscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 304-311
Author(s):  
Shin Inamoto ◽  
Satoru Shimomura ◽  
Yuji Otsuka
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electrostatic Potential ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Organic Materials ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Transmission ◽  
Differential Phase Contrast

Abstract Electron staining is generally performed prior to observing organic materials via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to enhance image contrast. However, electron staining can deteriorate organic materials. Here, we demonstrate electrostatic potential imaging of organic materials via differential phase contrast (DPC) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) without electron staining. Electrostatic potential imaging drastically increases the contrast between different materials. Phase-separated structures in a poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend that are impossible to observe using conventional STEM are clearly visualized. Furthermore, annealing behavior of the phase-separated structures is directly observed. The morphological transformations in the samples are consistent with their physical parameters, including their glass transition and melting temperatures. Our results indicate that electrostatic potential imaging is highly effective for observing organic materials.

scholarly journals Toward quantitative electromagnetic field imaging by differential-phase-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy

Microscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takehito Seki ◽  
Yuichi Ikuhara ◽  
Naoya Shibata
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Electromagnetic Field ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Differential Phase ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Transmission ◽  
Differential Phase Contrast ◽  
Field Imaging

Abstract Differential-phase-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy (DPC STEM) is a technique to directly visualize local electromagnetic field distribution inside materials and devices at very high spatial resolution. Owing to the recent progress in the development of high-speed segmented and pixelated detectors, DPC STEM now constitutes one of the major imaging modes in modern aberration-corrected STEM. While qualitative imaging of electromagnetic fields by DPC STEM is readily possible, quantitative imaging by DPC STEM is still under development because of the several fundamental issues inherent in the technique. In this report, we review the current status and future prospects of DPC STEM for quantitative electromagnetic field imaging from atomic scale to mesoscopic scale.

scholarly journals Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy for Polymer Blends

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
Pradeep Singh ◽  
B. R. Venugopal ◽  
Radha Kamalakaran
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Polymer Blends ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Polymer Materials ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Transmission ◽  
Butadiene Styrene

Physical properties of the polymer can be altered by mixing one or more polymers together also known as polymer blending. The miscibility of polymers is a key parameter in determining the properties of polymer blend. Conventional transmission electron microscopy (CTEM) plays a critical role in determining the miscibility and morphology of the polymers in blend system. One of the most difficult part in polymer microscopy is the staining by heavy metals to generate contrast in CTEM. RuO4 and OsO4 are commonly used to stain the polymer materials for CTEM imaging. CTEM imaging is difficult to interpret for blends due to lack of clear distinction in contrast. Apart from having difficulty in contrast generation, staining procedures are extremely dangerous as improper handling could severely damage skin, eyes, lungs etc. We have used scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) to image polymer blends without any staining processes. In current work, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)/Methacrylate Butadiene Styrene (MBS) and Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) along with filler additive were dispersed on Polycarbonate (PC) matrix and studied by STEM/HAADF (high angle annular dark field). By using HAADF, contrast was generated through molecular density difference to differentiate components in the blend.

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