Elemental mapping multiphase polymers

Fig. 5.51 SEI of a multiphase polymer (A) shows large dispersed phase particles and submicrometer sized particles and holes. BEI (B) shows that the dispersed phase particles have higher atomic number than the matrix. Elemental, mapping shows the small particles contain antimony (C) whereas the larger particles contain chlorine (D). Once the specific size/shape of the particles are identified by mapping, BEI imaging can be used to study the specimen surface.

A major objective of nucrostructural analyses on multiphase and other polymers is failure analysis, i.e. determination of the mode or cause of failure. Failure analysis generally involves characterization of a material which has failed, either in service, or in a physical test. Controls are not always available, and timing is often critical. In some cases, the types of analysis required may well be sinular to those described above phase contrast, SEM and TEM. Other nucrostructural techniques that are valuable in solving such materials problems are chemical contrast imaging and elemental x-ray mapping. 

---