Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy methods

Because of the expected small dimensions of the oxidation products and of the oxide scale after short oxidation times it was necessary to use electron microscopic methods to characterize the samples after oxidation. Besides scanning electron microscopy (SEM) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was mainly used to describe the morphology of the oxide scale and to identify the oxidation products by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) as well as electron diffraction. A detailed description of the preparation of TEM cross-sections and of the experimental procedure is given in [12]. 

Figure 4.22. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs of sectioned industrial tire cords are prepared by the ebonite method to enhance the contrast of the various structures and to harden the adhesive and the rubber for sectioning. Fiber cross sections, two adhesive layers (RFL), and the rubber (R) are shown by TEM.

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